Anthony Gordon has responded to persistent rumours linking him with a move away from Newcastle United.

Earlier in the summer, Gordon was widely tipped to be part of a PSR-boosting trade with Liverpool at the end of June, which would have seen Joe Gomez make his way to Tyneside

The transfer eventually fell through as Newcastle resorted to selling both Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to Nottingham Forest and Brighton respectively, allowing the England international to stay and sign a new long-term contract in October.

Gordon asks for exit rumours to stop

Speaking to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie this week, Gordon has issued an empathic response to reports linking him with a move, insisting he’s always been happy at Newcastle.

Gordon said: “Just leave me to play football. I’m very happy and I love it here! I think with the speculation, people assume it’s correct, when you’ve never heard from me once that I’m unhappy at this place. I love everyone here, I love playing football here!”

Hardly the words of a man whose had his ‘head turned’ by interest from Liverpool and comments that may explain his celebration after scoring against the Reds last week.

Speculation impacting Gordon’s performances

Though Gordon has yet to his heights from last season so far in the 24/25 campaign, he also told Sky Sports the constant speculation has had a negative impact on his current form.

“It’s took me away from enjoying my football this year. And I think that’s where the inconsistency has come from, because I’ve got caught in that a little bit.”

Howe himself has speculated that the hangover from the summer months, on top of the rampant transfer news, has had a negative impact on the form of Gordon and other top stars like Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes.

Gordon agreed, saying “I totally agree, because we’re only human. I love playing football here. I think both Alex and Bruno think the same thing!”

“We’re all young, we’re all human beings. So if people are talking about that, it questions our character: it’s hard.”