It is January 2023 and Newcastle United are looking to sign an attacking player to boost their push for a return to the Champions League after 20 years away. The most prominent name in recruitment meetings is that of Anthony Gordon.
His £45m move from Everton was met with a mixed reception. Questions were raised over his attitude a few months on from a fiery clash with his new team-mates at St James’ Park when still an Everton player.
Those fears were exacerbated by an angry reaction to being substituted by his new manager Eddie Howe at Brentford, after a frustrating start to life on the pitch for Newcastle, even as the Magpies went on to finish fourth in the Premier League.