Will Anthony Gordon seal Liverpool transfer before deadline? Eddie Howe ‘not a fortune teller’ as Newcastle boss reacts to rumours of Merseyside return for ex-Everton forward

Howe was quizzed on whether Gordon could still leave Newcastle before the transfer window shuts as reports continue to link the England international with a move to Liverpool. However, the Magpies boss is confident he can keep hold of the 23-year-old and revealed that the winger has not been affected by the speculation in the last few weeks.

Ahead of Newcastle's trip to Bournemouth, Howe said: "I’ve seen Anthony come back in a good place. Especially this past week, he had a really short training period before that first game. We put him in as he’s a difference maker, it takes the younger players less time to get up to speed but I think this week he has looked back to his best. I think that there are two ways to look at that. The Euros will have been an incredible experience for him.

"The first time that he will have been with England for any length of time and I'm sure he’ll have learned, seen and experienced a lot from that. Sometimes, we all have this vision of the fairytale ending, you go in and help win your country the tournament at the first time, but life is rarely like that. Anthony will have seen a lot and hopefully use that for next time that he’s involved."

The links to Liverpool are a testament to Gordon's development in the last 12 months. Having originally impressed for the blue half of Merseyside with Everton, the four-cap international has hit new heights on Tyneside. Having recorded 23 goal contributions in all competitions last term, it is no surprise that Arne Slot is keen to bring Gordon to Anfield.

Having been eased back in by Howe for the Premier League opening win against Southampton, Gordon will continue to put his all in for Newcastle unless he hears otherwise. The transfer window closes on August 30 so the Reds have until then to fork out a massive fee that will meet Newcastle's hefty asking price.