Preston didn’t really see the best of Anthony Gordon, but Chelsea have seen enough to push for a deal worth up to a staggering £60million.
Gordon’s situation is one that has left Preston fans flummoxed.
The winger joined on deadline back in February 2021, arriving on loan from Everton despite interest from elsewhere.
Gordon showed some promise; quick and direct, he looked a real threat but the end product was often lacking.
Alex Neil has been slammed for not playing him more, but you have to consider that the Scot was fighting for his job at the time; the lack of end product from a raw youngster in Gordon just wasn’t what he needed at the time.
Gordon returned to Everton last summer with his spell at Preston ultimately being a forgetful one.
Fast forward just over a year and Gordon is now in line for a sensational move away from Everton.
We covered reports last week suggesting that Chelsea had offered £43million in a deal to sign Gordon.
Preston fans may have felt that price was bizarre enough, but the fee is now rising higher and higher.
Sky Sports claim that Chelsea are now willing to strike a deal worth an enormous £60million for the 21-year-old wide man.
What on earth happened between leaving Preston and now?
Well, Gordon was given Premier League exposure; 25 starts last season as well as 10 substitute appearances, notching four goals and two assists.
Frank Lampard put his faith in Gordon during their relegation battle – an alternative approach to Neil at Preston – and the Liverpudlian again showed how dangerous he can be on his day.
Still, £60million is an astonishing amount of money for Gordon, even if you factor in paying for potential.
Chelsea must be convinced that Gordon can become a Premier League star in the years to come, reaching a level far beyond Preston.
It’s certainly happened before – Andy Carroll and Danny Welbeck spring to mind – but few around North End could have predicted this kind of move for the Everton winger.