Everton face dilemma on Anthony Gordon transfer talk

There has been constant rumour and media chat about potential bids for Everton starlet Anthony Gordon over the past few weeks as transfer window talk intensifies.

Everton have of course already lost a key attacking player with Richarlison’s departure to Tottenham just a few days ago.

So far, there’s little sign of a replacement coming through the door anytime soon to fill the popular Brazilian’s boots, although a number of new names are being mentioned.

Now, according to media reports other Premier League clubs are seriously eyeing a move for the Toffees’ brightest young talent in Gordon.

To some extent this is obviously inevitable given how poor the Blues’ were on the pitch last season as they flirted with relegation and the club’s terrible financial situation.

That means all of Everton’s prime assets are going to be potentially on the radar of other clubs and Gordon, given his talent, age and therefore potential to develop further, is arguably the most valuable outfield player now left in the squad.

The England Under-21 international enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season and after a slow and uncertain start he grew in confidence and his performances become more assured and impressive.

Gordon’s workrate, pace and ability on the ball make him a real potential star in this Toffees’ team and Evertonians must hope that he can continue to progress.

It’s still potential though and he’s got a way to go to become that top quality attacking player.  While he added his first goals and assists in the senior side, much more will be needed from him next season.

That’s particularly because unless things change soon, it looks increasingly likely that Everton might really struggle to bring in enough quality talent to significantly transform this team next term without big contributions from key existing individuals.

So, a young, homegrown forward with Premier League experience who has proven he can cut it at this level is going to be a prime asset for Frank Lampard as he looks to create a new-look youthful team at Goodison Park.

That is assuming of course, that Gordon is still an Everton player when the new season kicks off in about a months time.

The Blues’ are saying that there is no chance of a sale and indeed there are rumours that the 21-year-old is going to be offered a new deal to tie him to the club for a good few years to come.

However, money talks of course and especially these days in football. And so, it’s still possible that a huge bid, while not likely, might persude the club to consider selling Gordon. After all, Lampard needs as much funds as he can to re-build this side.

While clubs often say there is no chance of a player leaving, and then that said player does actually leave, we will see if Everton really are serious about keeping Gordon and won’t be tempted to parting with him, even for a very big fee.

I think keeping your best young talent sends an important message that the club are serious about trying to progress and build something for the long-term.

There are several bright young talents now in the squad with Nathan Patterson, Vitalli Mykolenko, Ben Godfrey and Gordon.

That group together with two or three transfer additions and if a couple of the fringe players like Lewin Dobbin could follow Gordon’s path, might provide the nucleus of a really good team.

And, I would personally think that there are other players such as perhaps Allan, Yerry Mina or Dominic Calvert-Lewin who would go out of the door first, although Calvert-Lewin’s departure seems much less likely now with Richarlison’s move to Spurs.