'Biggest concern': Owner admits worries over Liverpool's push for 'extraordinary' player

Liverpool had a Premier League owner worried this summer with their push for an ‘extraordinary’ talent. The Reds couldn't quite sign Anthony Gordon, however.

Amanda Staveley left Newcastle United's ownership group earlier this month, selling off the remaining 6% she owned alongside her husband. There was one major worry before departing, however.

Newcastle were in breach of Premier League spending rules, forcing them into some very late sales before June ended. Exactly who would have to leave, though, wasn't clear.

And Staveley admits that the 'biggest concern' was that a star player would depart. One of those was Anthony Gordon, who had Liverpool sniffing around.

“My biggest concern was that we’d lose Alex [Isak] or Anthony [Gordon] because Liverpool chased him and both are extraordinary players,” Staveley told the Athletic. “Negotiating is tough because you have to pretend it means nothing to you when it means everything.”

Liverpool's Gordon push

It's been reported all over the place that Liverpool wanted Gordon but here's a clear admission from a Newcastle owner (at the time) that the interest was very real. The Reds tried to sign the winger but couldn't get it over the line.

In truth, it was a very difficult one. Newcastle were open to selling purely because they could solve their financial problems in one go - they always wanted a big fee.

Liverpool aren't in the business of paying enormous fees unless they feel the player is a must-have. As good as Gordon is, he's not quite that to the Reds as they're well-stocked up top.

But there's still a way to go before the transfer window closes. Gordon could well end up at Anfield still - but we imagine at least one player would need to leave Liverpool before that happened.

Fabrizio Romano claims the interest is still very much there, though. Gordon is a boyhood Red, too, and this is one that might still carry another twist.