Anthony Gordon reportedly has no intention of returning to Everton training as he bids to secure a transfer to Newcastle United.
The playmaker was the subject of interest during the summer, including from the Magpies, but he ultimately remained at Goodison Park.
Since then, the England Under-21 international's stock has arguably decreased, a consequence of failing to provide a single assist during 2022-23.
The last of his three goals came in October, and it contributed to Frank Lampard preferring other options before his departure earlier this week.
Nevertheless, it has been widely reported in recent days that Newcastle are making every effort to sign Gordon before the end of the month.
The North-East outfit have allowed Chris Wood to depart for Nottingham Forest, leaving Eddie Howe one player short in the final third.
Rather than attempting to replace Wood with another target man, Howe has seemingly set his sights on a versatile attacker who can play in a number of positions.
While the relevant parties are in discussions, the Daily Mail claims that Everton are insisting on receiving £55m for the 21-year-old.
As it stands, Newcastle appear unlikely to meet those demands, but the same report says that Gordon has taken things into his own hands by refusing to return to the Merseyside outfit.
Although the academy graduate was allowed to miss training on Tuesday, that was not the case on Thursday, yet the winger was a no-show at the club's training ground.
Gordon has allegedly told Everton officials that he has no plans to make an appearance in training in a bid to force through a transfer before the end of the month.
The latest development comes at a time when Everton have no manager and are currently locked in talks with their top candidates, which reportedly includes former Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa.
Everton's hierarchy are said to want a new boss in place as soon as possible, despite their next fixture not due to take place until February 4 when they square off against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
