Report: Everton reject Chelsea's £45M offer for Gordon

Everton turned down Chelsea's formal bid of £45 million for Anthony Gordon and are determined to hold on to their youth-team product, according to BBC Sport's Phil McNulty and Simon Stone.

The Toffees previously rejected Chelsea's verbal £40-million offer for the hard-working attacker.

Chelsea are expected to return with an improved bid, with The Guardian's Andy Hunter believing it could take an offer in excess of £50 million to tempt Everton into selling Gordon.

The Blues have considered including players in the deal as their legendary former midfielder, Frank Lampard, was interested in signing multiple Chelsea squad members for his Everton side this summer, The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano reported Sunday.

Gordon, 21, was a key figure during Everton's battle against relegation last season. His energetic performances, and the fact that he's a boyhood Evertonian, quickly made him a popular figure at Goodison Park. His importance to the club has grown this summer following the sale of forward Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur and more injury problems for striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Everton are discussing a new contract with Gordon but talks are at an early stage, Hunter understands. His current deal expires in 2025.