Anthony Gordon already named Liverpool icon as football hero as transfer links re-emerge

Rumored Liverpool target Anthony Gordon admitted that Anfield icon Steven Gerrard was his hero growing up - as speculation that the Newcastle United winger could be on the Reds' radar this summer re-emerge.

The former Everton star impressed during his first full season at St James' Park last term, scoring 11 times in 35 outings en route to being named the Magpies' Player of the Season. His sterling form also caught the eye of England manager Gareth Southgate, who named the attacker in his squad for Euro 2024 this summer.

His showings for the Toon also have purportedly alerted Liverpool recruitment chiefs, with HITC having reported that the Reds have enquired about the forward's availability. With the June 30 financial deadline looming for Premier League clubs, Newcastle may have to listen to offers for some of their leading stars if they are fearful that they could fall foul of Profit and Sustainability regulations.

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According to the Liverpool ECHO, the Magpies are among sides including Chelsea, Leicester City and Aston Villa who may be in need of generating income by the end of the month. With the rules stipulating that clubs are not permitted to lose £105m or more across three-year accounting periods, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle will have to entertain bids for stars in the next few days.

Either way, Gordon's form in recent times and his Merseyside roots - having grown up in the city - may mean that the players ticks a lot of boxes for Liverpool. Despite his Everton past, the forward previously even admitted that Anfield legend Gerrard was his idol as a kid, saying on The Overlap: "Steven Gerrard was my football hero growing up. Coming from Liverpool, he was like a God in Liverpool, and he was unbelievable player."

On top of this, the ace has also previously admitted that he also has derived inspiration from Reds superstar Mohamed Salah - especially when it comes to his interest in the psychological aspect of the game. He said: Some footballers like to think less, just turn up and play and trust their instincts.

"I just love the mindset of getting myself in that place before I'm already there. I saw Mo Salah talk about it – that's where I took even more interest, because I see him as an absolute machine and a winner. People like that, you're not going to go too far wrong following what they do."

Speaking to Sky Sports about his departure from Goodison Park and gave his perspective on the reactions from Blues supporters to his decision to move to Newcastle. He said: "My whole life has been at Everton. I grew up in Everton, it was a massive place in my heart and my life, which I'll never forget.

"From afar I'll always be rooting for them, always wishing them the best," he continued, as he paid tribute to the club where he first made his name. However, Gordon has made telling remarks about his experiences of playing against Liverpool in more recent times as he spoke glowingly about the atmosphere at Anfield as a rival.

However, in another interview with Channel 4, the England winger confessed that the support from Reds fans on the terraces has impressed him on his visits to the ground. He said: "Other than St. James, it's Anfield by far. I think because I am from the city, I grew up watching it. I just think before the game, when they sing You'll Never Walk Alone, it's top. It is top level."