There has been an update regarding the future of Everton starlet, Anthony Gordon...

What's the word?

According to Football Insider, Premier League rivals Newcastle United are preparing a £40m bid for the 21-year-old, having reportedly seen a £35m offer knocked back by the Toffees already this summer.

The report suggests that the Magpies have 'not given up hope' of signing the young Englishman, with manager Eddie Howe potentially set to sanction the departure of Allan Saint-Maximin in order to fund the move.

As for the Merseysiders, they have already seen Richarlison join Tottenham Hotspur in a £60m deal while Dominic Calvert-Lewin is currently sidelined with injury, with Frank Lampard's side already somewhat depleted with regards to forward options.

Gordon heir

That potential exit would appear a notable blow considering that Gordon had looked set to be a key figure at Goodison Park this season, starting the first two games of the campaign in a makeshift centre-forward role.

The local lad had enjoyed a real breakthrough campaign last time out, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 35 top-flight games, having forced his way into the first-team reckoning under both Lampard and his predecessor Rafa Benitez.

While he has the chance to blossom into a potential talisman for the club moving forward, it may prove difficult for the club to turn down what would be a hefty fee for a player who has made just 51 league appearances to date - particularly when they already have his possible heir lying in wait.

That potential replacement is that of 18-year-old Stanley Mills - son of defender-turned-pundit Danny Mills - with the teenager tipped to make a big impression after making his mark during the club's pre-season tour of the United States.

A winger by trade, the youngster has been lauded by Lampard for his remarkable versatility, with the former England international stating that: “I think he can do wing-back, I think he can do a number eight in midfield, more central, a right-sided central midfield player, depending on how you are playing, and an aggressive right-back. He can run, every running session we are doing he’s right at the front. He can run all day."

Also dubbed "outstanding" by U21 coach Paul Tait after netting a 54-minute hat-trick, the teenager is yet to make a first-team appearance for the club thus far, although the indication is that he could have a role to play this season, having been named on the bench in the opening two games of the Premier League season.

With Cup commitments to come, he will no doubt earn a debut sooner rather than later, although Gordon's possible departure could speed up that process, with Lampard in need of another relentless and energetic asset in his attack should the more senior man make the switch to St James' Park.

It would be a source of frustration to lose such a promising academy graduate to the Tynesiders, although in Mills, Everton potentially already have their next rare gem.