Liverpool may not regret Anthony Gordon delay as PSR woe remains with transfer set to be sealed

Liverpool delayed any potential deal with Newcastle for Anthony Gordon by refusing to countenance Jarell Quansah going the other way. But that hold-up might not prove fatal to the deal, despite the Magpies closing in on agreeing another transfer.

Key to this whole saga is June 30, the cut-off point for counting transfers in the previous accounting period. Newcastle is close to the wire when it comes to Profitability and Sustainability Regulations, which is why it would ever have considered selling Gordon in the first place.

In one sense, then, all of the time pressure is on Newcastle. But the urgency transmits onto Liverpool, because if June 30 comes and goes without a deal for Gordon, then there is no longer any incentive to sell. Additionally, the Reds have left time for Eddie Howe's side to find alternative ways to ease its PSR worries ahead of the deadline.

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That has seemingly happened, with The Athletic reporting a fee of $42m (£33m/€39m) has been agreed with Brighton for Yankuba Minteh. Himself apparently a Liverpool transfer target at one time, the 19-year-old is an academy prospect at Newcastle, and his sale will represent pure profit on the books.

Clearly, it's not ideal for Newcastle to have to sell the teenager, with that transfer set to be sealed once personal terms are agreed. Minteh spent last season on loan at Feyenoord under Arne Slot, and looks to have a bright future in the game.

But it's better than having to sell Gordon, a proven Premier League performer in the same position. Liverpool may fear it has taken too long and seen its chance of making a great signing disappear.

However, it seems Newcastle is not out of the PSR woods just yet. According to Sky Sports News, the Magpies "could still be active" in the transfer market tomorrow, with Minteh's sale unlikely to be enough to avoid a possible points deduction.

Of course, having relieved at least some of the pressure, Newcastle may now look for alternative ways out of its predicament. But with little over 24 hours to go, its options may be limited, and Liverpool will be on hand to make its move if Gordon remains available in a deal that does not involve Quansah.

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool has handled its finances well, so it can afford to sit and wait to see if there are any bargains to be had amid the PSR scramble. Gordon would be a major coup.

It may be that the ship has sailed, but Liverpool was never going to lose Quansah. It was wise to sit and wait, and patience could still pay off handsomely despite the impending Minteh deal.