EVERTON are adamant they have no interest in selling Anthony Gordon, despite Newcastle United having made a formal inquiry about the attacking midfielder.

Newcastle officials have made contact with the hierarchy at Goodison Park to formalise their interest in Gordon, who enjoyed a breakthrough season last term.

Magpies manager Eddie Howe is a strong admirer of the 21-year-old, and the club’s recruitment team have been tasked with sourcing promising youngsters from across the continent with the potential to develop within the first team.

However, having already turned down one formal bid for Gordon from Tottenham earlier this summer, Everton’s board have reaffirmed their desire to hold on to the youngster this summer.

The recent sale of Richarlison to Tottenham has reduced the need for the Toffees to bring in cash, and with Gordon contracted to Goodison until 2025 after signing a new long-term deal two years ago, Everton’s owners feel they are in a strong position to be able to rebuff whatever offers come their way.

Gordon, who is an England Under-21 international, is valued at around £25m by Newcastle, although Everton’s valuation of the youngster is understood to be significantly higher.

Despite having already recruited three players this summer – Nick Pope, Matt Targett and Sven Botman – Newcastle remain extremely active in the transfer market.

They retain a long-standing interest in Moussa Diaby, and while Bayer Leverkusen’s current £60m asking price for the winger is regarded as exorbitant, there is a growing belief that the German club may be willing to negotiate.

Diaby has been one of Howe’s targets throughout the summer, and Newcastle’s desire to secure a deal has not waned despite negotiations having proved difficult.

With a move for Hugo Ekitike having collapsed despite a deal having been agreed with Reims, the Magpies’ search for a new centre-forward has become focused on Chelsea’s Armando Broja.

Ideally, Newcastle would like to sign Broja on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent transfer next summer, as that would leave more of this summer’s funds available for a move for Diaby.