EDDIE HOWE insists he has no concerns over Anthony Gordon’s commitment to Newcastle United – and expects the winger to feature in this weekend’s Sela Weekender at St James’ Park.

Gordon’s future was thrown into doubt when he was the subject of discussions with Liverpool at the end of June as the Newcastle hierarchy desperately tried to raise funds to ensure they remained compliant with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations.

Liverpool are reportedly still interested in securing Gordon’s services before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, and it has been suggested that the England international is interested the prospect of moving to Anfield.

Howe, however, insists that is not the case, with Gordon having returned from an extended post-Euros break earlier this week determined to play a leading role in Newcastle’s efforts during the new campaign.

“His (Gordon) head is at Newcastle,” said the Magpies head coach, who refused to comment on the club’s ongoing pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-half Marc Guehi. “I think in the first few days, he’s been exceptional. His focus has been on his work and his fitness, everything to do with this football club, nothing else, no distractions. He’s been really impressive.”

Gordon and Kieran Trippier both only returned to training with Newcastle this week following their involvement at the Euros with England.

However, with the start of the new Premier League season just over a week away, Howe is keen to involve both players in this weekend’s Sela Cup matches, which will see Newcastle take on Girona on Friday evening and Brest on Saturday afternoon.

“They’ve had an extended break, but I think they needed it,” said Howe. “It was essential we gave them a mental break from the rigours of football and all the pressures that come with it.

“But they’ve come back in a really good shape and trained really well in the last few days. I’m really happy with them. Fingers crossed, but the plan at this point is that they will be involved at the weekend.”

There is a good chance William Osula will make his first Newcastle appearance in one of this weekend’s matches, with the 20-year-old forward having completed his move from Sheffield United this morning.

Osula has joined the Magpies for an initial fee of around £10m, with a further £5m of potential add-ons also having been agreed.

“He’s a player that I’ve known since Jason’s (Tindall) time at Sheffield United,” said Howe. “We’ve bene tracking his career for the last three years.

“He’s a player that really excites us. I think he’s got some really good raw ingredients to become a very, very good centre-forward. He’s got extreme pace and a really good physical profile. He’s six foot three, verging on six foot four, and he’s got good technical skills as well. There are areas of his game to develop, obviously, but I think he’s coming to the right place to do that.”