OFFICIAL: Anthony Gordon Joins Newcastle United From Boyhood Club Everton.

Newcastle United have completed the transfer of winger Anthony Gordon from Everton.

Gordon becomes Newcastle second most expensive signing, with the £63m paid for Alexander Isak last summer remaining the club's record transfer.

He joins the Magpies on a long-term contract after the club agreed to pay an initial £40m to Everton plus add-ons that could see the deal rise to £45m.

The 21-year-old pushed for a move away from the Toffees who are without a manager following the sack of Frank Lampard last Monday, as he skipped training on three occasions in an attempt to force a transfer to Eddie Howe's side.

Gordon's actions did not go down well with the disappointed Everton fans, with the club struggling for Premier League survival in 19th place, level on points with bottom side Southampton.

He did not get a warm farewell from his boyhood club as Everton wrote just a brief 64-words statement confirming his departure.

"Anthony Gordon has joined Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee... Read the club statement on Sunday

"The 21-year-old forward leaves Everton after having submitted a formal transfer request.

"Gordon joined the Club's Academy at the age of 11 and made his senior debut as a 16-year-old in a Europa League tie in December 2017. He went on to make 78 First-Team appearances, scoring seven goals."

Everton had reportedly rejected an offer from Chelsea believed to be worth £60million just five months ago.

The Merseyside club were keen to keep hold of their academy graduate, who grew up in the city and joined Everton as an 11-year-old, as he made his Premier League debut for the club in January 2020.

Gordon, who leaves Goodison Park having scored seven goals in 78 appearances, says "people haven't seen what I'm capable of yet" following his transfer to the St. James' Park.

"Since I heard of the interest, I was always convinced Newcastle were for me," Gordon told NUFC TV.

He expressed his delight over the move as he further told Newcastle's official website: 

"Since I heard of the interest, I was always convinced Newcastle were for me.

"I think the fan base and the city really suits me as a person, the way the team are playing under the gaffer at the minute really suits me, and the club just look like they're heading in the right direction.

"I feel like it's a really big step. I think under the gaffer, and the way the club's going, I can really excel here."

⚡️✍️ pic.twitter.com/416hVXXt9X

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 29, 2023

Gordon becomes Eddie Howe's first signing of this January transfer window as the manager looks to bolster his attacking options for the second half of the season.

The Magpies have been a strong contender this season for a spot in next season's Champions League. They are currently in third place in the League table after 20 games played, and are also still in the hunt for a silverware in the Carabao Cup. 

Howe's men hold a 1-0 lead advantage over Southampton after the first leg of their semi-final tie and would play the return at St James' Park on Tuesday night.

Newcastle head coach Howe added: "I'm delighted to sign Anthony - he's a top, top talent.

"I'm really excited to work with him, to develop him, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do in a Newcastle shirt."

Newcastle United will still be able register a new senior player in the final days of the window if required, as the window will close on Tuesday night January 31.

Gordon is cup tied, so won't be available for the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Southampton in midweek, but he is expected to be in attendance at the stadium if everything goes to plan.

He would be hoping for make his Newcastle debut when they host West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday February 4.