Newcastle United are now ramping up their pursuit of a new defender, with Anthony Gordon's future at St. James' Park is up in the air.
Newcastle are looking for a winger with Gordon's future in doubt
Gordon has been at the center of a storm over the past week or so, and Eddie Howe has recently come out in his defence, saying it was his decision not to start the crucial Champions League game against Barcelona.
Howe says: “I have to do something about Anthony Gordon. He was absolutely determined to play in the game against Barcelona. I know a lot of people are saying that. It was my decision not to start him because he was sick that morning and didn't attend the lesson.
“He was fit to play, but in consultation with the medical team, he didn't think he was fit to play.”
The left-back played a major role in the Magpies reaching the round of 16 of the Champions League, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists in 11 games, which puts his importance on Howe, but England's future is in doubt.
Arsenal and Liverpool are in the race for the 25-year-old, with Mikel Arteta's side willing to offer £75m, meaning Howe could be tasked with bringing in a replacement this summer, and new targets have been identified.
Newcastle are eyeing a “special” forward as Gordon's replacement
According to a report by Sports Boom, Gordon may leave Newcastle in the summer transfer window, as he has been identified as one of the most wanted players by Manchester United, while Newcastle is trying to sign FC Porto star Rodrigo Mora.
The Portuguese club value the 18-year-old, but a €70m (£60m) bid from the Magpies would be hard to turn down, suggesting a deal could happen if the PIF are willing to spend big.
However, Manchester City and Arsenal are also credited with an interest in the youngster, as well as Real Madrid, so there could be stiff competition from other top clubs.
Despite his tender years, the youngster has been making waves in Portugal for a long time, having been praised by scout Jacek Kulig more than a year ago.
The Porto star can play on both wings and in the attacking midfield, and has already made 70 appearances for the Portuguese club, scoring 16 goals and providing six assists in 70 appearances.
This season, the star has been very impressive in the Europa League, picking up three goals and one assist in eight games, but there are doubts over whether Newcastle should make a move.
Rodrigo Mora obviously has a lot of potential, but £60m would be a lot of money to spend on such a young player, and their priority should be to keep Gordon, as the former Everton man has excelled in the Champions League this season.
24 G/A this season: Newcastle are now preparing to sign the £43m Champions League striker in a bid for Chelsea.
The contact has been made.
