Newcastle star Anthony Gordon has been linked with a move to Premier League duo Arsenal and Manchester United, but Magpies manager Eddie Howe has given a strong reaction.
Man United and Arsenal have both been linked with Gordon (Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has said speculation linking Anthony Gordon with his departure from the club is “irrelevant”. The forward has been linked with potential moves to Manchester United and Arsenal.
Arsenal are making progress in the race to sign the former Everton player, according to recent reports. Asked about the speculation, Newcastle manager Howe admitted he was powerless to stop the rumors, but said he believed Gordon would not be influenced by talk about his future.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Gordon’s game against Everton this weekend, he said: “I don’t think there’s much I can do about it. I haven’t seen the news so it’s news to me. But we’re mid-season and he’s in the middle of the biggest game of his career and who knows what’s going to happen with him internationally in the summer.”
“He doesn’t have time to look left or right. He has to focus completely on straight ahead and on the next game and try to play as well as he can.
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“I’ve been really impressed with him over the last few weeks. I think he’s in a good position. Playing in a central position, I think he’s done really well. We want him to continue that good form.”
Asked if he was at all concerned that this new meeting would affect Gordon, Howe said: “I think only if he reads it. There are always rumors and speculation in this day and age.
“I probably don’t see 90 per cent of it, but the players probably see more than I do. But being a top player and playing at this level, there’s always going to be speculation.”
“I think we have to get that out of our heads and focus on football, because as we know with our schedule, there are so many games and there is no time for distractions. We have to be completely focused on each game.”
Anthony Gordon could leave Newcastle (Image: Getty Images)
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Howe added: “I think it’s really irrelevant. It’s how the players take it. If the players absorb it and it affects them, then of course it’s a negative. But I think they’ll be strong enough to ignore it and focus on playing.”
“And I think these things can only really come into focus when the window is open. And I think that’s the time for players to think about their future, if at all. Because everything they do in the meantime will have an impact on their future. And all they can do is play at the highest level and I want to encourage them to do that.”
Gordon, 25, joined Newcastle from Everton in 2023 and has made 144 appearances in all competitions, scoring 36 goals. He has a contract with the North East club until 2030.
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