Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed Everton supporters would be furious if the Toffees sold forward Anthony Gordon this summer, amid reports linking the academy graduate with a move away.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Everton have rejected a bid of £40m from Chelsea for Gordon, with the Blues keen to bring the young forward in to bolster their attacking options.
Speaking on the potential deal, Phillips stated that the fans and manager Frank Lampard would be left fuming if he was sold this summer regardless of the fee.
Phillips told GiveMeSport: “If they’re going to let a player like Gordon go, even if it is for £50 million, which is ridiculous money for Gordon, then they [the fans] are going to be annoyed and you can see that. And I’m pretty sure Lampard is going to be annoyed about that as well.”
TIF Thoughts on Phillips’ comments…
Given that Everton reportedly rejected £40m for Gordon, it seems as though the Toffees are keen to keep hold of the player, who has gradually taken up the role of main man following Richarlison’s departure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury.
We’d have to agree with Phillips when he says that Frank Lampard is likely to be annoyed if Gordon is allowed to leave. The manager is already short of options to lead the line and losing Gordon would potentially be an insurmountable blow to Everton’s attacking threat.
As for the price tag, it’s a case of what Gordon is worth to Everton. Of course, it is a hefty fee being reported, but this is a player yet to enter his prime and one of Lampard’s main men who he cannot afford to lose.
If Everton want to avoid a relegation battle this season, we feel they must keep hold of their young forward – it might even prove to be the difference between survival and a place in the Championship next season.