Bayern links and World Cup hopes - a big summer for Gordon

It's a big summer for Anthony Gordon. For the time being, the Newcastle attacker's focus will be fixed on trying to help his club out of their meandering form.

But there is also a looming World Cup, in which the winger hopes to play a major part for England.

Meanwhile, Gordon's future is set to be one of the most prevalent narratives of the summer transfer window.

A move to Germany is in the pipeline for the former Everton forward, with Bayern Munich seriously interest in the 25-year-old.

Footballers are conditioned not to peek too far ahead but you could understand if Gordon had at least half an eye on what's next.

Here, BBC Sport examines his role in Thomas Tuchel's plans heading into the World Cup and how his club future is shaping up.

Newcastle 'will consider offers for Gordon'

It is understood that Gordon is one of a number players Newcastle will listen to offers for at the end of the season.

As outlined by BBC Sport last week, the club will need to sell at least one of their crown jewels in order to give head coach Eddie Howe funds to strengthen his squad if they miss out on European football.

Gordon is one of five players - along with Tino Livramento, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Lewis Hall - who would probably command the highest transfer fee.

Sensing an opportunity, it is understood Bayern have accelerated their interest in Gordon in recent weeks.

Well-placed sources indicate the player is aware that the Bundesliga champions admire his abilities. And as things stand, he is understood to be open to considering a move to Germany.

Bayern are an attractive proposition. They pay well and offer a near-cast iron guarantee of competing for major trophies every season. And they would provide the chance for Gordon to team up at club level with England captain Harry Kane.

But as Luis Diaz appears to have the left-wing role locked in at Bayern, it would be interesting to see how regularly Gordon would play at the Allianz Arena.

And while sources are indicating that a move to Germany has a good chance of happening in the coming months, there are obvious obstacles that need to be cleared – namely the transfer fee.

Newcastle are in a relatively strong position to command a minimum of £70m for Gordon this summer.

They signed him from Everton for £45m three years ago, although the following season he was offered to Liverpool by Newcastle.

He still has four years on his contract, so Newcastle have leverage - though finances are tight at St James' Park because of profit and sustainability rules, and Bayern will know that.

All that said, Bayern are unlikely to be the only club at the table for Gordon.

Arsenal have a long-term interest and considered making an offer in the summer of 2024.

It is understood the Gunners' interest still stands, and that they are in the market for a left-winger again this summer.

The level of Arsenal's interest in Gordon will depend on the price, with the Premier League leaders set to take a more balanced approach to the summer window while they have other targets too.

The battle for England starting position

On the pitch, Gordon will hope to play a key role for Tuchel at the World Cup.

The England head coach's preferred starting XI is largely clear, but a couple of positions seem to be open, and the left-wing role is one of them. It appears that Gordon is vying with Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers for the left-sided spot.

Tuchel likes Gordon's overall output. There is a sense he offers greater defensive discipline than Rashford or Rogers, an attribute likely to be more valuable the deeper England go into the tournament.

He obviously offers quality in forward areas as well.

Rogers excelled in the number 10 position in Jude Bellingham's absence during the qualifying campaign. But, with the Real Madrid midfielder expected to occupy that role at the World Cup, the Aston Villa forward's easiest route into the team could be at Gordon's expense on the left.

Equally, it was Tuchel who brought Rashford back in from the international wilderness upon his appointment as England boss.

The German, who admires Rashford's pace and dribbling abilities, views the Barcelona loanee as an important part of his plans.

And while Tuchel may already know who, fitness permitting, will occupy the left-wing position in England's opener against Croatia on 17 June, the German's final decision could yet be swayed by performances heading into the tournament.

It is why the season climax has more riding on it for Gordon than most.