Liverpool's Anthony Gordon interest clear to see as Son Heung-min does the damage

Liverpool's reasoning for targeting Anthony Gordon is clear to see as the Newcastle United winger prepares to sign a bumper contract with the Premier League outfit.

The Reds had reportedly agreed a £75million deal for Gordon early on in the transfer window, but a move to Anfield failed to materialise for the ex-Everton star.

It came after Gordon was said to have told his England team-mates he was Liverpool-bound during this summer's European Championship in Germany.

Newcastle fans will be hoping any transfer speculation linking Gordon to a St. James' Park exit begins to die down though, with the 23-year-old said to be on the brink of penning a new deal with the Magpies.

But Liverpool's interest, whether they continue to pursue Gordon's signature or not, has been justified, given he boasts the second-highest G/A tally for any left-winger in the Premier League since the beginning of last season.

The only player to have contributed to more goals in England's top flight in that time is Heung-min Son - an indication of Gordon's elevated status to one of the best attackers in the Premier League.

It's why, understandably, Newcastle are so keen to keep hold of Gordon amid increased interest from across the division.

When asked about Gordon's future ahead of Newcastle's League Cup clash against Wimbledon, Eddie Howe replied: "It's important that we show that [ambition] and players need to feel that we are continually improving in a league that is always improving and never standing still.

"It's certainly something for us to think about and consider as we continue through different transfer windows."

He continued: "Anthony's best years are ahead of him, I think he proved again on Saturday how good he is and how good he can be.

"I still feel there is more to come but also the versatility and his ability to play different attacking roles can only serve us well with the small squad that we have."

Before adding: "I was delighted with him and delighted with the love he got from the supporters because that feeling and bond is so important, so a really big thank you to the supporters for that."

Howe was referencing the pre-match display put on by the Newcastle supporters ahead of the weekend clash against Manchester City when a giant 'Gordon-10' shirt covered the Gallowgate End.

Gordon was of course on target against the Premier League champions with what was already his second goal of the Premier League season.