Newcastle United ‘lodge enquiry’ for £41m Anthony Gordon alternative

Newcastle United have reportedly enquired about Zenit Saint Petersburg forward Malcom as a potential alternative to Anthony Gordon.

Eddie Howe’s side are locked in talks with Everton to sign Gordon this month, who is pushing for a move to St James’ Park after failing to turn up to training for the last three days.

However, a transfer fee is yet to be agreed. The Toffees value the 21-year-old closer towards the £60million Chelsea were willing to pay for him in the summer. Newcastle, however, won’t meet that figure.

And should a deal for Gordon fail to materialise, French publication Foot Mercato claims Malcom could come into the Magpies’ thinking.

The Brazilian started his career at Corinthians before making the switch to Europe with Ligue 1 side Bordeaux. After two years in France, Malcom joined Barcelona in a deal worth £36.5m. The 25-year-old spent just one season in Spain after the La Liga giants cashed in by accepting Zenit’s £41m offer in 2019.

Malcom has scored 31 goals and provided 22 assists in 98 appearances for the Russian club. He recently signed a new long-term contract last summer until 2027.

While Newcastle are said to have asked about the player, Foot Mercato also claims he’s been offered to Paris Saint-Germain and sporting director Luis Campos is an admirer.

United have until Tuesday’s deadline - the same day as the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Southampton - to sign a replacement for Chris Wood, who joined Nottingham Forest on an initial loan deal last week.