Liverpool agreed a deal in principle to sign the Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon in the summer but the deal fell through when the Magpies found another way of solving their PSR issues.
Now, the forward has insisted he is happy at St James' Park and wants to draw a line under the speculation. Even Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted that Gordon has been distracted by exit talk so far in the new campaign but the 23-year-old has made his stance clear already by signing a new contract.
"There’s been a lot of talk this year about my future, where I’m going, where I want to go, without anyone actually asking me," he told Sky Sports. "Just leave me to play football. I just want to be happy, play football and I love it here. I’ve said it plenty of times.
"I think with the speculation, people assume that it’s correct, but you’ve never heard from me once that I’m unhappy at his place. I love everyone here, I love playing football here, and that was all that was.
"It has [frustrated me]. It took me away from enjoying my football this year and I think that is where the inconsistency has come from because I’ve got caught in that a little bit. But I just want to play football — especially for Newcastle."
Gordon has penned new terms with Newcastle since the summer. When he scored against Liverpool recently, his celebration hinted at frustration that the talk around him has perhaps got in the way of him focusing on his game this season.
Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon. (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
"Yeah, I’d totally agree because you’re only human and I’m only 23," he continued when asked if he, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes have all been affected by the speculation surrounding their futures. "All I’ve heard is ‘when is he leaving’ — who said I was ever going to leave.
“I’m very, very happy here, I love this place and playing football here and I think Alex and Bruno probably think the same thing. We’re all young, human beings so if people are talking about that then it questions our character. It’s hard."
Liverpool.com says: Gordon would have been a good addition for the Reds but Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo have since hit new levels. It isn't a signing that would make sense any more, especially given the fee that it would take to prise him away from the North East.