Newcastle keen to sign Gordon’s replacement Rodrigo Mora

Newcastle United are currently stepping up their search for a new winger, with Anthony Gordon’s future at St James’ Park up in the air.

Newcastle focus on winger with Gordon’s future in doubt

Gordon has been at the center of a storm over the past week, with Eddie Howe recently coming to his defence, saying it was his decision not to start the winger in the crucial Champions League game against Barcelona.

Mr Howe said: “Something has to be resolved with Anthony Gordon. He was absolutely keen to play in the game against Barcelona. I know there will be a lot of comments. It was my decision not to start him based on the fact that he was sick that morning and did not take part in the training session.”

“He was ready to play, but after consulting with his medical team, they deemed him unfit to play.”

The left-winger made a huge contribution to the Magpies’ run to the Champions League Round of 16, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists in 11 games, underscoring his importance to Howe, but the Englishman’s future is now in doubt.

Arsenal and Liverpool are in the race for the 25-year-old, with Mikel Arteta’s side willing to pay a fee of £75m, meaning Howe could be tasked with bringing in a replacement this summer, with a new target identified.

Newcastle target ‘special’ forward to replace Gordon

According to a report from Sports Boom, Gordon is said to be Manchester United’s top target and is likely to leave Newcastle in the summer transfer window, with Newcastle currently actively pursuing a move for FC Porto star Rodrigo Mora.

The Portuguese side rate the 18-year-old very highly, but a €70m (about £60m) offer from the Magpies would be difficult to turn down, suggesting a deal could be possible if PIF are prepared to spend big.

However, alongside Real Madrid, Manchester City and Arsenal are also said to be interested in the teenager, meaning there could be stiff competition from several top clubs.

Despite his young age, the youngster has been making headlines in Portugal for quite some time and was praised by scout Jacek Kulig just over a year ago.

The Porto star can play on either wing or in attacking midfield and has already made 70 first-team appearances for Portugal, scoring 16 goals and providing six assists in those 70 games.

The starlet has been particularly impressive in the Europa League this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in eight games, but there are doubts as to whether Newcastle should make the move.

Rodrigo Mora clearly has plenty of potential, but £60 million would be a huge transfer fee for such a young player, and their priority should be to keep Gordon, given the former Everton man’s excellent form in this season’s Champions League.