Barcelona make major progress for Antony Gordon
Barcelona has made significant progress in the deal to sign English forward Antony Gordon from Newcastle United following recent discussions held in London by Deco and Gordon's camp.
Bayern Munich and Liverpool were considered as the frontrunners to secure the signature of the winger from Newcastle United, but after a recent meeting with Barcelona officials, the player and camp have reconsidered their stance and view FC Barcelona as the priority destination for a summer move, reports Fabrizio Romano.
Barcelona open negotiations with Newcastle
Barcelona has opened official negotiations with Newcastle United management in an attempt to close the deal quickly and avoid a possible rise in the player's valuation after the World Cup.
Gordon is viewed as a suitable option for Flick's system and highly appreciated by the club's higher officials, including sporting director Deco and president Laporta.
Gordon impresses in striker role
The 25-year-old player finishes the season as Newcastle United's top scorer with 6 goals and 2 assists in the Premier League and 10 goals and 1 assist in the Champions League, despite struggling with recurring hip and thigh injuries throughout the campaign.
Following the departure of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, Antony Gordon was used as a striker on several occasions by manager Eddie Howe throughout the season and delivered impressive performances despite naturally operating as a left winger.
Flick views Gordon as ideal tactical fit
The versatility of the player to handle the striker and left winger roles is appreciated by Barcelona, as they want a player for both roles in the summer. The pursuit of a positionally flexible Antony Gordon could be a strategic move from Barca, and that too under €80 million. Their other targets, like Julian Alvarez and Joao Pedro, seem unrealistic at this moment.
Newcastle and Barcelona remain apart on valuation
Paul Joyce reports that Barcelona believes it is capable of signing Anthony Gordon for £60 million, but Newcastle United is still demanding £75 million for the player.
The English winger has become Barcelona's primary target for the summer to improve the squad despite competition from Liverpool and Bayern Munich.