Anthony Gordon was absent from Everton training for a third day in a row on Thursday as transfer speculation continues to surround the winger.
Newcastle are interested in a deal to sign Gordon before the transfer deadline and have made an initial approach to Everton for the England u21 international.
Everton value the 21-year-old in the region of £60m and Newcastle will not overpay to sign Gordon, who Sky Sports are reporting has not attended training at Everton’s Finch Farm training ground in recent days.
Gordon did not train on Tuesday in a planned absence, before missing both Wednesday and Thursday’s sessions despite being expected to be in attendance.
Newcastle want to add another option to their forward line before the deadline and could submit an offer for Gordon in the coming days, with the winger keen on a move to St James’ Park.
Gordon was subject of interest from Chelsea and Tottenham last summer, but neither are expected to renew their interest this month. Chelsea have already secured deals for Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke, while Spurs signed Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal this week.
Gordon’s sale could bring in funds for Everton’s next manager as the club continue talks over a replacement for Frank Lampard. Marcelo Bielsa, Ralph Hasenhuttl and Sean Dyche are understood to be in the frame.