Liverpool sent 'astonishing' Anthony Gordon message as Arne Slot warned of transfer implications

Former Newcastle United ace Andy Cole has labelled the idea of Anthony Gordon moving to Liverpool as "astonishing". And Cole reckons that for the Reds to entertain such a surprising switch in the summer window, they'd likely need to offload a player first.

Liverpool held talks over a move for Gordon last month as Newcastle looked to balance the books amid fear of breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

With the June 30 deadline looming, the Magpies reached out to Liverpool about a potential transfer for the England talent, but discussions fizzled out. Anfield chiefs felt their squad was sufficiently equipped on the wings.

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Newcastle's proposal also included a clause for Jarell Quansah, yet Liverpool dismissed any notion of negotiating for the up-and-coming defender who nearly made it into the England team for the Euros in Germany.

Cole, whose tenure at Newcastle spanned from 1993 to 1995 before his famed switch to Manchester United, has declared the Gordon deal a non-starter. His former club's financial pressures have eased following the sales of Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest and Yankuba Minteh to Brighton for a similar fee, leading Cole to surmise that Gordon won't be donning the Liverpool kit this season.

"I'd be very surprised if Newcastle United were even thinking about selling him," Cole told Betfred. "I know there's all this talk about Financial Fair Play (PSR), but Newcastle must have realized that they were going to be in that position and if they were in that position, then why would they look to sell one of their best players? I would find that astonishing.

"If Gordon does push to move to Liverpool, then where would Liverpool play him? Liverpool would have to move somebody on to accommodate him. From the outside looking in, it's a bit of a crazy one if there's any truth behind the speculation."

Subsequent reports have claimed Gordon has his heart set on a move to the Reds this summer and it is understood they are admirers of the winger's talents but believe their coverage in the wide positions is sufficient as things stand.

Liverpool are so far yet to add to their ranks this summer with Calvin Ramsay's loan deal to Wigan Athletic the only piece of business conducted at Anfield.

Liverpool.com says: It does appear that it will be difficult to get a deal for Gordon done although that situation could change later in the summer. He would clearly be open to a return to Merseyside but Liverpool does already have Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, who are both likely to be played on the left wing next season.