NEWCASTLE UNITED are ‘unconcerned’ by reports linking Manchester City and Liverpool with possible moves for Anthony Gordon – and are confident the England international will still be at St James’ Park next season.

Gordon’s future was cast into doubt at the end of last month when Newcastle officials were scrambling to raise funds in order to plug a gap on the club’s balance sheet ahead of the deadline for the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability calculations.

There were discussions between the Newcastle hierarchy and their counterparts at Anfield over a possible move for the 23-year-old, but the talks did not progress beyond a formative stage and a formal offer was never lodged.

Newcastle broke off communications when it became clear that they were going to be able to complete deals for Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson, with the former leaving for Brighton and the latter heading to Nottingham Forest.

With Manchester United also agreeing a compensation deal for outgoing sporting director Dan Ashworth, Newcastle’s ownership group were confident they could raise the revenue they needed to avoid a points sanction without having to sell Gordon.

Nevertheless, Liverpool’s interest has been piqued, and sources on Merseyside claim there is an expectation that the powerbrokers at Anfield will make renewed contact with Newcastle officials later in the summer in an attempt to push through a deal.

In the last 48 hours, reports have also emerged suggesting Manchester City are interested in a deal for Gordon, with the champions’ recruitment team regarding the winger as one of the most exciting propositions in the whole of Europe.

Gordon, who is currently in Germany representing England at the Euros, is understood to be aware of the discussions that took place at the end of last month. It has been suggested that his head has been turned by Liverpool’s interest, and that he could look to set up talks over his future when he returns to training on Tyneside after a post-Euros break.

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The Newcastle hierarchy, led by new sporting director Paul Mitchell, are aware of the rumours over Gordon’s future plans, but are understood to be unconcerned at the situation.

Gordon is contracted to St James’ Park until 2026, and having successfully balanced the books at the end of last month, there is no financial imperative for Newcastle to sell one of their leading assets in the remainder of the transfer window. The same is true of Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes, two more players Newcastle officials are now confident of retaining this summer.

While contact with Gordon has been limited while England are attempting to win the Euros, there is confidence that the former Everton winger will be fully on board when he returns for pre-season training later this month.

Newcastle officials do not expect Gordon to agitate for a move, and are confident their own plans for summer investment will help convince him that the club remain extremely ambitious despite last season’s failure to qualify for Europe.

While the appeal of a move to either Manchester City or Liverpool, both of whom will be competing in the Champions League next season, is obvious, the Newcastle hierarchy are confident they can persuade Gordon that he can realise his own personal aims on Tyneside.

As a result, there is a strong expectation that the current speculation will not result in a sale this summer.

Newcastle are, however, willing to listen to offers for Miguel Almiron, who was the subject of strong interest from Saudi Arabia in January. There is also a chance that Callum Wilson could leave during the current transfer window, with the 32-year-old having entered the final year of his contract with the Magpies.