Anthony Gordon transfer news: Barcelona agree £70m-plus deal with Newcastle

Ciaran Kelly, Newcastle United correspondent

Newcastle are set to lose their top scorer for the second summer in a row.

So, have any lessons been learned from Alexander Isak’s devastating saga?

Newcastle initially stood firm after Isak pressed to join Liverpool, but the club eventually caved and sold the striker for a British record £125 million on deadline day.

Unlike last summer, when Newcastle operated without an administrative structure, the club now has a chief executive named Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson.

The absence of the sporting director was felt especially regarding Isak’s situation and relations with the managers.

Since then there has been a change in style and approach.

Former CEO Darren Eales previously said it would be “mad” for Newcastle to sell their best players, but Hopkinson made a slightly different point.

The Canadian player said last March that the club would try to “maximize the opportunity” and get the best possible price if individuals signed this summer.

So, rather than Newcastle looking over their shoulders, the sale of Gordon was seen as an opportunity to obtain a significant sum to reinvest and revamp the floundering side.

In fact, it looked like the club had been preparing for Gordon’s possible departure for some time.

Although Gordon has continued to train with his teammates – his attitude has been praised by head coach Howe – he has been forced to take a place on the bench in recent weeks.

Youngsters Sean Neave and Alex Murphy featured ahead of the unused substitute against Fulham on the final day, which was quite significant.