Everton manager Frank Lampard has reiterated his determination to keep hold of Anthony Gordon after the winger impressed in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Brentford.
Chelsea are pushing hard to sign Gordon and remain hopeful that their latest bid, which could reach £60m if all add-ons are paid, will be enough to convince Everton to authorise the departure of their academy graduate.
However, Lampard has publicly done his best to shut down the rumours, recently warning both Chelsea and those in power that Everton that there has to be a deadline for a final decision to be made.
In the meantime, Gordon has remained a core part of the Everton squad and was the star of the show as his side drew 1-1 with Brentford, netting the opening goal as he raced on to a ball from Conor Coady to slot home.
"It’s what I wanted from him,” Lampard said after the game. “It was a great run, great timing and a great pass, and his composure was great.
“I’m delighted for him and thought his all-round performance was great. There’s pressure on him and I thought he handled it brilliantly.”
Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth bring you Talking Transfers, discussing Lucas Paqueta's potential move to West Ham, Chelsea's plans to sign Anthony Gordon, Wesley Fofana and Arsen Zakharyan and the latest from Old Trafford. Available on all audio platforms and the 90min YouTube channel.
If you can't see the podcast embed, click here to download the episode in full!
Lampard added: “He’s a level of player at 21 years of age, with what he showed last year, everyone is talking about and clubs are interested in him, and have had a nibble at him.
“But he’s our player so I don’t come away from today thinking ‘oh dear that’s made someone keen to pay more millions for him’. I come away thinking ‘he’s an Everton player and I want him to stay'. Simple.”
Defender James Tarkowski, who joined the Toffees earlier this summer, also confessed that he has been thoroughly impressed by Gordon during their short time together.
"He has been different class," Tarkowski told Sky Sports. "All the paper talk and all the speculation, to be fair he just cracks on.
“Whatever comes will happen, but I love having him on my team. There is a reason why teams are after him.”
Related
Source : 90min