Barcelona plotting surprise move for Newcastle ace Anthony Gordon

Barcelona are weighing up a surprise move for Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon, according to AS.

They are looking for a left-sided winger to provide competition for Raphinha, and the 25-year-old fits the bill.

Gordon can operate across the front line but is most effective from the left wing. Barcelona sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick rate him highly.

The England international bagged 17 goals and five assists in 47 appearances this term, impressive numbers considering he suffered a notable dip in form.

His performances have even caught the eye of Bayern Munich, but they have not been able to agree a deal to prise him away from St James’ Park.

Newcastle want €80 million to let him go this summer as he has made up his mind to leave.

Barcelona’s interest in Gordon is part of their planning for a reshaped attack next season.

Flick and Deco both value his versatility and direct style, although any move would depend on compliance with La Liga’s 1:1 financial rule.

Barcelona face a familiar conundrum

Barcelona’s interest in Gordon raises the same old question about how the club intend to make the numbers work.

They cannot even turn Marcus Rashford’s successful loan spell into a permanent deal, with the £26 million fee proving problematic.

They are now being linked with a far more expensive operation in Gordon, who Newcastle value at slightly more than €80m.

Unless there is a sudden breakthrough in the club’s financial engineering, it is hard to see how this aligns with La Liga’s financial rules.

The club also has far more urgent needs at striker and centre-back.

Barcelona may admire Gordon’s profile, but admiration and affordability are two very different conversations at Camp Nou.