I signed Anthony Gordon for Everton - and know why Liverpool may have passed on him

It is not the first time Liverpool have been eyeing a move for Anthony Gordon.

This time around, Liverpool were in negotiations to sign the 23-year-old after Newcastle approached them over a transfer deal. However, talks broke down after Newcastle requested Jarell Quansah in return.

Eddie Howe's side need to sell players before the Profit and Sustainability accounting deadline of June 30, in order to avoid the risk of a possible points deduction or a hefty fine. There still is a possibility that Newcastle will re-enter negotiations with Liverpool for Gordon but the clock is ticking.

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It is clear that Gordon has Merseyside roots, having grown in the city which may mean that he ticks a lot of boxes for the Reds. Despite his past with Everton, Gordon admitted that Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was his idol growing up.

Two coaches watched him develop into the player he is now during his time at Everton. Former Toffees academy coach Neil Dewsnip, worked more closely with Gordon as manager of England Under-18s.

Speaking about his development as a player, Dewsnip told BBC Sport: "Anthony was my last signing at Everton. He was a boy we looked at a few times, as did Liverpool. He was a little bit of a late developer, physically immature."

Meanwhile, another former Everton academy coach, who wished to remain anonymous, added: "We could see he had potential. The academy did well to stick with him. It was about being patient and keeping him in the system.

"In the past, players like Anthony might have been left behind but, as he got stronger, he came into his own. He was always very single-minded even back then. He knew what he wanted and what he needed. We always thought he’d be a big lad, which he is.

"We knew he’d be quick, and he’s rapid. It’s about looking at the boy and trying to see the man down the road. It is all credit to Anthony - he’s developed himself."

However, Dewsnip says Gordon's quality was never in question and he is the type of talent clubs are desperate for. "He’s done exceedingly well," he continued.

"His ability to run with the ball was always clear. He could get you from your penalty area when defending to the opponents’ area incredibly quickly. He is also really talented in one-on-one situations. The next three or four years could be very exciting for Anthony.

"He’s got talent people are desperate for: he can score goals and create goals. When you get older and more mature physically, you’re able to do those things more often. Maybe that’s what we are starting to see."