KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF OUR GORDON
Everton determined to keep winger despite debt woes
EVERTON will resist any attempt to prise Anthony Gordon out of Goodison as Spurs line up a double swoop.
But the Merseyside club’s situation is complicated by a need to cut debts by the financial year end after protracted negotiations with the Premier League to ensure they comply with profit and sustainability rules.
In effect, Everton suggested it would sell players to offset debts during this current financial year which ends on Thursday.
The Blues were hoping an agreement to sell Richarlison could be put in place by then, with both Tottenham and Chelsea interested in the Brazilian forward.
But the asking price of £50m-plus has been rejected by the two members of the Premier League big six, with Spurs now considering returning with a counter offer which would include 21-year-old Gordon.
It is understood the Everton board have ruled out such a move, with the home-grown star a huge fan favourite and integral to the plans of boss Frank Lampard, above.
They will instead press ahead with negotiating a sale for Richarlison, who has indicated he wants to leave after four years at the club. That, though, may not satisfy the top flight, with their rules demanding clubs stay within the debt limits for the four seasons from 2018-2022 – with combined totals for 19-20 and 20-21 to cover the Covid seasons, meaning a deadline is potentially looming.
While the Blues have attempted to negotiate some leeway over dates for any transfers out, sources suggest so far no agreement has been reached. It means, technically, Everton could be in breach of the profit and sustainability rules if they do not sell by the end of the month and could face penalties including a points deduction.
The situation is complicated further by interest in buying the club from owner Farhad Moshiri, by at least four consortia, with two American bids leading the way.
One has gone public after being granted a period of exclusivity in their negotiations.
Fronted by former Manchester United and Chelsea CEO Peter Kenyon, the group includes American businessman John Thornton. He is a former co-president of Goldman Sachs who has close ties with former President Donald Trump, and also with the Chinese government.
Thornton’s extensive mining interests also bring him in close orbit with Alisher Usmanov, who was a chief backer of Everton before EU and UK sanctions installed because of his close ties with Vladimir Putin.