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Anthony Gordon says he is ‘happy to play as a No.9’ if needed amid speculation Alexander Isak will leave Newcastle United.

Isak’s future is up in the air after he informed Newcastle that he wants to leave the club this summer, and did not gone on their pre-season tour of Asia, though the official line is a thigh injury ruled him out.

On Friday, Liverpool submitted a £110million offer for the Sweden international, who is considered to be one of the best strikers in world football right now.

The Magpies instantly rejected the bid as they value their talisman at £150m and some reports claim that the Reds are not planning on making another offer any time soon.

Nevertheless, Eddie Howe has admitted he does not know whether the 25-year-old will be at St. James’ Park next season, with Newcastle now looking at signing a replacement striker.

With the exception of young William Osula, Newcastle do not have another centre-forward in their squad and have already missed out on signing Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro this summer.

Thankfully for Howe, a solution may already exist within his squad, with winger Gordon suggesting he is ready to fill Isak’s void if necessary, telling the Daily Mail: ‘I’ve said before, I like playing No 9.’

‘I’d have to practise and get the reps in to get the patterns that we do. If that’s a challenge the manager wants to throw at me, I’m happy.’

But Gordon says he has no intention of taking the famous Newcastle No.9 shirt that was recently vacated by Callum Wilson, adding: ‘There’s a lot of pressure with that number! I’ll stick to 10, thank you!’

The England international found himself in a very similar predicament to Isak last summer, coming very close to switching St. James’ Park for Anfield in a big money move.

Gordon says the transfer speculation, combined with his experience at Euro 2024, affected his form going into the 2024/25 season, eventually recording just 12 goal contributions in the Premier League, compared to 26 the season prior.

‘I understand what Alex is going through,’ the 24-year-old added.

‘It was difficult for me because one, I had the Euros, which was horrendous for me mentally. I was there, I wasn’t playing.

‘Then I had the transfer stuff. With PSR [Profit and Sustainability Rules], I thought I was going to leave at some point in the window. It didn’t happen. I had to get my head around that to begin with, and then to get my head around it again was hard.

‘I’m a human being. It’s really difficult. That is why I understand what Alex is going through. I feel for him.

‘He will be going through a lot. The club is going through a lot. I hope everyone gets what they want in the end.

‘What I can say, for me, is that it’s been an absolute pleasure to be out of the transfer speculation for a summer! It’s the first time in about three years! It’s been so easy, so mentally refreshing.

‘Keep me out of it! I’m not linked to any clubs and I’m very happy where I am. I’m enjoying my football again.’

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