Everton have been ‘ready’ to offer Anthony Gordon a new contract for a 'long time' at Goodison Park, but concerns remain over his future on Merseyside, according to journalist Paul Brown.

Frank Lampard oversaw a busy summer of business, as £70 million was spent on new recruits but he managed to cling onto his star man beyond the deadline.

What is the latest on Gordon?

Chelsea pushed hard for the 21-year-old’s signature after the end of the 2021-22 campaign, seeing multiple bids rejected by Everton with the final offering reaching £60 million.

However, the Toffees and Lampard were adamant that they would not sell Gordon for any price.

But the player himself reportedly informed his manager of his desire to leave Everton and join Thomas Tuchel’s project at Stamford Bridge.

Nevertheless, they held firm while Tuchel has since been replaced as Chelsea manager by Graham Potter, who left Brighton & Hove Albion to take up the role.

Since the window slammed shut, Everton have opened talks with Gordon over a new deal at Goodison Park worth £60,000 per week, six times his current wage, according to The Sun.

Lampard claimed the club were speaking to the player’s representatives to try and find ‘the right solution’ to the issue.

What has Brown said on the situation?

Brown understands that Everton have been ready to open negotiations with Gordon over a new deal for a while now.

The journalist adds, however, that Gordon could remain undecided, adding that his desire to leave in the summer was not purely a negotiation tactic.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT: “Everton have been ready to hand Anthony Gordon a new long-term contract for a long time. It was not PR that he was refusing to sign one and it wasn't just the club telling people that Anthony Gordon was interested in a move to Spurs or Chelsea and that he wouldn't sign a new contract.”

Why are Everton so eager to keep Gordon?

The Toffees front line took a big hit during the summer when they sold Richarlison to Tottenham for £60 million. Had they lost Gordon too, Lampard would have been left with little to work with.

It is a decision which has paid off in the early stages of the campaign with Gordon bagging twice in his opening seven Premier League games. He was also described as the club’s ‘standout’ player by Stephen Warnock last term.

Tying him to a new deal is also a way of ensuring Everton do not lose the player for less than they value him, with the potential to insert a sizeable release clause.