Anthony Gordon’s potential move to Liverpool is off, which might be for the best given his previous run-ins with Anfield legends. The 23-year-old was close to becoming the first signing of the Arne Slot era, with Newcastle looking to offload players to comply with the Premier League financial regulations.

However, talks reportedly broke down after the Magpies asked that Reds defender Jarell Quansah move the other way as part of the deal, though according to the Daily Mail, there’s still a chance negotiations could be revived.

Gordon, despite his previous ties to Everton, was reportedly open to the switch, but he would have had to mend fences with several Liverpool legends upon joining.

Reds stalwarts Jamie Carragher, Ian Rush and Danny Murphy have previously slated Gordon for diving, prompting him to retaliate with some fighting words.

“People have been calling me a diver of late, I’m not sure why,” Gordon said back in 2022. “If you look back at the games, I’m getting kicked quite a lot. I’ll take it as a compliment because I must be doing something well.

“I know what I bring to the table. I know I’m not a diver, videos prove that. I might go down every now and then but that’s because I’m getting kicked. I don’t know what people want me to do. I’m just going to do my best and keep getting at people.

“It happens to really good one-v-one players. If someone is good one-v-one they are going to get past a lot of players and hacked down every now and then. I’m not sure the reasons why we get called divers.”

A few weeks prior, Carragher suggested that simulation had “crept” into Gordon’s game, while Ian Rush branded the ex-Toffees ace “one of the worst offenders” in the league after he saw yellow for simulation during a 2-0 loss to Liverpool.

The following day, Danny Murphy spoke out on talkSPORT: “Anthony Gordon is diving too much… he’s a great player, I really like him, but he does dive a lot!”

Gordon has made just one appearances out in Germany so far, entering the fray during England’s draw with Slovenia in the 89th minute. But in spite of limited game time, Gordon made an impact, showcasing his class with a clever pass to Kobbie Mainoo that led to potentially England’s finest opportunity during the stalemate.

Although critical of his diving habits, Carragher has a clear fondness for Gordon and encouraged England boss Gareth Southgate to get him more involved at the Euros. The ex-defender highlighted that Gordon’s speed and ability to take players on would enhance Harry Kane‘s effectiveness, who up till now has been relatively anonymous.

Carragher, speaking to Sky Sports, said: “You’ve got to play to Harry Kane‘s strengths,” noting his lack of pace but his preference to drop back and receive the ball. “Kane likes to drop between the lines and come to receive the ball, because he hasn’t got the pace to run in behind… for me he needs pace around him and players to run in behind him.

“I think Saka on one side and Gordon on the other would provide that penetration… and that helps Kane.”