ANTHONY Gordon missed Everton training for the third day on the bounce, with the youngster keen to push through a move to Newcastle United.

Gordon hasn't handed in a formal transfer request but has had his head turned by interest from Tyneside.

He's been a no-show at Everton training since Frank Lampard's sacking, and while Tuesday's absence was planned, he was expected to return to Finch Farm on Wednesday but didn't, and he again stayed away on Thursday.

The Magpies and Everton remain locked in talks, with Newcastle's valuation of the player short of the £60m Everton are asking for. But the Toffees are now aware of Gordon's desire to head to the North-East and are expected to lower their asking price in the coming days.

Chelsea had previously shown an interest in the young midfielder but they've since turned their attention elsewhere - leaving Newcastle to try and thrash out a deal with Everton.

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While dealing with the Gordon situation, Everton are also in the process of recruiting a new manager to replace Lampard, with Marcelo Bielsa having arrived in the UK for talks with the Toffees.

Bielsa and former Burnley boss Sean Dyche are said to be frontrunners for the role.