Liverpool already have one important piece in place for a blockbuster big-money deal for Anthony Gordon. The Newcastle winger has emerged as a surprise summer target amid uncertainty over the long-term futures of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz at Anfield.
The Reds were thought to be close to a £75million deal for Gordon earlier this month which would have seen defender Joe Gomez go the other way for £45m.
A deal was agreed in principle before Newcastle, at that point under financial pressure from the Premier League, agreed other sales instead.
Yet the Merseyside club's interest remains. And per the Liverpool Echo, Gordon is still keen on joining Arne Slot's side which means the Dutchman is already one step towards getting his man. He grew up as a Liverpool fan despite playing at Everton for 11 years between 2012 and 2023.
Gordon only joined Newcastle 18 months ago from the Toffees for £45million. The Magpies were questioned for the fee they spent on the 23-year-old but he has proven himself an excellent acquisition at St James' Park.
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He produced 11 goals and 10 assists in 35 Premier League matches last season while mainly being deployed on the left wing. Yet though he's excelled on Tyneside, the Scouser would be keen on a return to his local area.
Gordon was actually released by Liverpool as a teenager. He told Everton's official website: "It was another chance for me to grow. But that was hard. It affected me mentally and dented my confidence. I had to pick myself up and go again."
And it was against Liverpool whom Gordon made his first Premier League start for Everton in June 2020. Fast forward four years and he is a vastly superior player compared to back then.
With four England caps to his name after going to Euro 2024 earlier this summer, Gordon also won the under-21s Euros with the Young Lions last year. He was named Newcastle's player of the year for his fantastic first full season under Eddie Howe.
Gordon excited Liverpool fans recently by making it clear legendary former captain and midfielder Steven Gerrard was his boyhood idol.
"Steven Gerrard was my football hero growing up," he said on The Overlap. "Coming from Liverpool, he was like a God in Liverpool, and he was unbelievable player."
Gordon has also since named Anfield one of his favourite stadiums to play in. "Other than St James' Park, it's Anfield by far," he told Channel 4.
"I think because I'm from the city, I grew up watching it. Before the game when they sing You'll Never Walk Alone, it's top level."
Liverpool have yet to make any signings this summer but Slot, speaking last week, insists he expects some additions. "We already have a very good team I'm already really happy with," the Dutchman said.
"But it would be a surprise for all of us I think, if we don't bring any player in. So that will probably happen in the end. For now, we are just waiting for the players to come back and waiting for the right ones to sign.
"The standards are really high when it comes to bringing in new players because we have such a good team and such a good squad.
"[Sporting director] Richard [Hughes], more than me, is really working hard on that as well and he keeps me updated every time. If there is any news on that, we will come to you."
