Frank Lampard comments hint at Everton hardball stance amid Anthony Gordon’s Newcastle United links

Everton manager Frank Lampard has praised Anthony Gordon more than any other player last season after taking over the reins on Merseyside. Reports suggest Newcastle United remain interested in the Toffees' winger over a possible £35million move.
Gordon was a stand-out player in an otherwise muddy season for Everton as they maneged to avoiid relegation.
Lampard singled out the youngster for praise in May, admitting he "loved" working alongside such a "huge" talent. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "His feeling for the club, to bring that across at such a young age is something pretty special".
"I love working with him, love him as a player. There are things he wants to improve and he can improve and that's normal in terms of development. But what he is doing for us at the minute, he's an absolutely huge player."
Ahead of a clash against former club Chelsea, the Everton boss made a bold statement by comparing Gordon to England regular Mason Mount. Lampard nurtured the Three Lions star at Derby and at Stamford Bridge into the Champions League winner he is today. He said in May: "We’re playing against him this weekend and he’s very similar to Mason Mount. Very similar in his attitude, application, his talent levels and he’s fine this week, he’s determined, that’s what he is."