An Everton star’s absence from training looks set to pay off as monster offers continue to fly in for a Brighton midfielder despite the Seagulls manager’s best wishes.
Elsewhere, Chelsea’s absurd spending spree continues while newly-minted Bournemouth will have to wait to make their first major transfer splash after a target failed their medical.
Catch up on all of the biggest whispers doing the rounds in the latest edition of the Rumour Mill!
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Schneiderlin set to sign with Wanderers | 00:29
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WANTAWAY TOFFEES STAR’S WISH FINALLY GRANTED
Anthony Gordon’s time as an Everton player is set to come to an end, as Everton and Newcastle have reportedly agreed a fee of $AUD70m for the winger, per The Times.
Gordon was the subject of heavy interest from Chelsea in the summer and the Toffees had hoped to recoup as much as $95m, but dropped the asking price.
The 21-year-old was pivotal in helping keep Everton afloat in the Premier League last season but has failed to display the same form in the 22/23 campaign.
The news of a fee being agreed comes after Gordon had missed three days of training and he now becomes the Magpies’ second-most expensive signing in history.
BRIGHTON BOSS URGES STAR TO STAY AMID $104M BID
Roberto De Zerbi has urged Moises Caicedo to stay at Brighton amid reports of a $104m bid for the Ecuador midfielder from Arsenal.
The Premier League leaders are keen to sign Caicedo to bolster their midfield options after Egypt’s Mohamed Elneny suffered an injury that could sideline him for several weeks.
Brighton boss De Zerbi is determined to keep the 21-year-old at least until the end of the season, but Arsenal are believed to be pondering an improved bid.
Caicedo is also a reported target for Chelsea, however De Zerbi insists the player’s best interests lie in staying with Brighton.
“He’s a good guy. He’s focused only on Brighton. I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season because in my opinion, it’s the best solution for him, for us,” De Zerbi told reporters on Friday.
“I spoke with him Wednesday and I told him my opinion. I think it’s always difficult to change during a season. For our way, it’s important for him to stay another four months with us.”
Brighton have already sold Belgium forward Leandro Trossard to Arsenal for £27 million during the current January transfer window.
Caicedo is under contract with Brighton until 2025 and De Zerbi claimed he had given the youngster a fatherly chat about his future.
“He is relaxed. He’s a good guy. I spoke with him like a father, not like a coach. Because I understand when one player has the possibility to change team and go to a very big team,” he said.
“I understand. My work is to give the style of play, but to give also advice for his career, his life.”
CHELSEA’S SPENDING SPREE CONTINUES AS 19YO GUN SNAPPED UP
Chelsea’s spending spree under new owner Todd Boehly is showing no signs of slowing down, as the Blues have agreed a deal with Ligue 1 outfit Lyon to sign Malo Gusto for a reported $45m, per The Telegraph.
However, Chelsea won’t be able to get their hands on Gusto until next season, as the terms of the deal will keep the 19-year-old at Lyon on loan until the end of the season.
The Blues had tested the waters with a lower offer to see if they could nab Gusto, but Lyon rejected the bid and claimed he would stay with the club until at least the summer.
The report claims Chelsea see Gusto as the best right-back under 20 years of age in Europe and will be expected to compete with Reece James for a starting berth next season and into the future.
CHERRIES’ TARGET FAILS MEDICAL IN BRUTAL BLOW TO SURVIVAL HOPES
Premier League battlers Bournemouth have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit for an attacking player after Villarreal winger Nicolas Jackson failed his medical.
The Cherries were recently taken over by American billionaire Bill Foley as the club received a major injection of cash, but they have not been able to properly flex their financial muscle just yet.
According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, Bournemouth’s medical staff feared Jackson, who was already out of action with a hamstring injury, would have a longer spell on the sidelines than first anticipated.
“Bournemouth were aware of his hamstring issues when they agreed the $39m deal,” Sheth wrote on Twitter.
“Villarreal indicated to Bournemouth he would be back in action on February 10th.
“After medical tests, doctors at Bournemouth felt his return date would be mid-March.”
Missing such a lengthy period of time would have been less than ideal for Bournemouth as they are locked in a fight for survival.