Anthony Gordon: Man United aim to beat Liverpool to sign Newcastle star

Manchester United are preparing to launch a blockbuster £87 million move for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon in an attempt to pip arch-rivals Liverpool to one of the Premier League’s most coveted attackers. The proposed swoop forms part of INEOS’ strategy to secure a “game-changing” left-sided winger this summer after caretaker coach Michael Carrick’s switch to a 4-2-3-1 system revitalised the club’s fortunes.

Carrick, placed in temporary charge until the end of the season following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, has overseen four wins in five matches, including successive triumphs over Manchester City and Arsenal. The sole blemish, a drab draw at West Ham, underlined United’s urgent need for a natural left-winger after last summer’s exits of Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho. Although Matheus Cunha arrived from Wolves, the Brazilian excels centrally rather than hugging the touchline, prompting the club to prioritise a specialist wide man.

RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye remain on United’s shortlist, but sources indicate United have accelerated their interest in Gordon, whose versatility and physicality have impressed Old Trafford scouts. The 24-year-old, who left Everton for Newcastle in a £40 million deal two years ago, is valued by his current club at close to twice that figure. A Spanish outlet claims United are “prepared to make an offer” at the £87 million level, aware that Newcastle will demand a premium fee to sell to a domestic rival.

Liverpool are also “closely monitoring” Gordon, viewing him as the long-term heir to Mohamed Salah thanks to his ability to operate on either flank. The Merseysiders’ pursuit could ignite a high-stakes bidding war, particularly with Newcastle facing the prospect of Europa League football at best next season after a disappointing campaign.

United’s wider recruitment drive does not end with Gordon; the club are similarly tracking Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, with Arsenal and Manchester City also circling. Yet any deal for Gordon will require INEOS to meet, or even exceed, the £87 million valuation, a price Newcastle refused to discount when Liverpool enquired about Alexander Isak last summer.

With the World Cup looming and Gordon poised to feature for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, the next few months could shape the winger’s future—and determine whether Manchester United or Liverpool secure the signature of one of the country’s most explosive talents.