Man Utd Make Bold Move for Gordon with £87m Bid as Newcastle Star Sits Out Bournemouth Clash

Manchester United have apparently stolen a march on their rivals in the scramble to land Newcastle's Anthony Gordon this summer, according to reports emerging from Spain. The Red Devils are said to have lodged a €100m (£87m) bid for the 25-year-old, who has netted 17 goals and chipped in four assists across all competitions this season.

The England winger has become the subject of considerable transfer chatter, with claims he's willing to consider his options away from St James' Park when the window opens. Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Liverpool have all been touted as potential suitors for Gordon's signature.

The timing of events at Newcastle proved rather awkward for manager Eddie Howe. On Friday, he made it clear that no player would feature for his side unless they demonstrated complete dedication to the club's cause. "I'm not going to play a player, any player, if I don't feel they're 100% committed to the club and to its future," Howe stated. "Because that commitment, that resolve, what a player gives the team, has to be total."

Twenty-four hours later, Gordon was nowhere to be seen in the matchday squad for Saturday's Premier League fixture against Bournemouth. The Newcastle winger's absence—officially attributed to a minor hip complaint—raised eyebrows given the timing and the manager's recent comments. Telegraph correspondent Luke Edwards noted the unfortunate optics of the situation on social media, pointing out how Gordon's omission sat uncomfortably alongside Howe's declaration about commitment.

United's reported approach signals their determination to bolster their attacking options and maintain pace with the competition. The club views Gordon as possessing precisely the profile they need: a player capable of injecting pace and goal-scoring prowess into their forward line.

However, expert observers urge caution about where Gordon might ultimately land. The Athletic's David Ornstein acknowledged Bayern's genuine interest but questioned whether the Bundesliga club represents the most likely destination. Ornstein highlighted a potential stumbling block: Gordon would likely resist any move where he wouldn't be guaranteed regular playing time, and Bayern may hesitate to spend big on a player destined for the bench.

As for the Premier League alternatives, Ornstein suggested Arsenal may not rank Gordon among their top targets, whilst a Liverpool switch appears off the agenda for both parties. Newcastle, meanwhile, remain open to selling—though only at a price they deem appropriate. Should the reported £80m valuation hold firm, potential buyers could face a stiff negotiating position.