United Ready to Splash £100m on Gordon as Salah Saga Deepens

Manchester United are gearing up to make a blockbuster summer move for Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon, tabling a £100m offer that could upset Liverpool's transfer strategy, according to reports.

The Red Devils' hierarchy at INEOS view this as an opportunity to reshape their attacking options and land what they consider a transformative addition. Their ambitions directly threaten Liverpool's pursuit of the same target, with the Merseysiders having identified Gordon as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah.

Gordon, capable of operating across the front line and in a number ten role, has emerged as the frontrunner in Liverpool's thinking. The winger's family connections to Merseyside—he grew up in the area and his relatives are Reds supporters—make Anfield a natural fit, despite his previous spell at Everton.

The backdrop to all this is Salah's increasingly uncertain future at Liverpool. The Egyptian has attracted serious attention from Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad, who tabled a £150m proposal last summer. Recent reports suggest his departure in the forthcoming window is now a genuine possibility after a fractious period with manager Arne Slot.

Tensions boiled over in November and December when Salah publicly criticized being made a scapegoat for the club's struggles. The fallout resulted in his exclusion from the Champions League squad for the Inter Milan fixture, though he returned for the Brighton Premier League clash and was warmly received by supporters following the 2-0 victory. Still, speculation persists that the relationship has deteriorated beyond repair, with MLS interest also mooted alongside the Saudi interest.

Newcastle now face a genuine dilemma. Gordon represents a cornerstone of their project and a crucial attacking asset, yet a nine-figure offer presents a tempting opportunity to recoup and reinvest. The club must weigh long-term sporting ambitions against the financial flexibility such a windfall would provide in an increasingly expensive market.

Former United scout Mick Brown has cast doubt on Gordon's current form and goal-scoring output, though he acknowledges the winger could adapt well to Liverpool's style of play. Brown noted that Gordon "hasn't looked the same player this year" when watching Newcastle, yet suggested he might flourish in a more dominant, attack-minded side. For Newcastle, Brown reasoned, accepting a premium fee while Gordon's stock remains elevated could enable them to secure a capable replacement without taking a financial hit.

The summer window promises to be a fascinating affair should Salah's departure materialize.