Anthony Gordon started at Liverpool academy and idolized Reds icon amid $125m 'transfer interest'

Anthony Gordon has already revealed his admiration for two Liverpool icons as speculation suggests he could be the subject of transfer interest from the Reds this summer.

The 23-year-old has caught the eye this season after making the move to Newcastle from Everton in January 2023. Gordon has 10 goals and 10 assists from 34 Premier League appearances, leading to him being named the Magpies’ player of the year.

His form though has led to speculation that he could be eyed up for a transfer. According to the Daily Star, Liverpool may look to take advantage of Newcastle potentially needing to sell one of its prized assets to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules.

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The report states a bid of nearly $125m (£100m/€116m) would be needed to tempt Newcastle into doing business. A move to Anfield though could appeal to Gordon, despite his Everton connections.

The Liverpool-born forward began his football journey with the Reds’ academy before joining Everton as an 11-year-old. What’s more, he has admitted to idolizing one of Liverpool’s greatest players.

“Steven Gerrard was my football hero growing up,” Gordon told The Overlap last month. “Coming from Liverpool, he was like a God in Liverpool, and he was an unbelievable player.”

Gerrard isn’t the only Liverpool icon Gordon admires though. The England international has also explained how he has taken inspiration from Mohamed Salah.

“My confidence comes from my preparation. I don't know where it comes from, I wouldn't say anyone around me is anything like that. I just love learning stuff, and throughout my years growing up, I've taken a liking to learning about psychology.

“There may be people who do the same thing as me, there may be loads who just haven't spoken about it.

“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.”

Liverpool.com says: Considering Gordon already upset Everton fans when he pushed through his move away from Goodison Park last year, he could really drive things home by pushing for a switch to Anfield. It seems he’s something of a Liverpool fan anyway, so why not?

That’s perhaps the only way the Reds would have a chance of signing him in fairness. Having another option in attack wouldn’t hurt, but splashing out $125m on one forward when there are other areas of the squad that need attention first wouldn’t make too much sense.

If Gordon really wanted the move and could drive the price down a bit, then maybe it could be considered. As it is at the moment though, it’s not a transfer Liverpool should be pursuing.