Anthony Gordon has told Everton he has no intention of returning to his boyhood club as he tries to force a move to Newcastle United.
Gordon, 21, is a target for high-flying Newcastle but Everton want around £55million for the winger. He has missed the last three days of training at Everton's Finch Farm base - although the first of these was a planned absence.
The clubs are in formal talks but yet to agree a fee. Chelsea were also interested in Gordon, who has 18 months left on his contract, last summer.
The Everton youth product has not started a game for the Toffees since the mid-season World Cup break after a dip in form followed his starring role in last season's Premier League survival bid under Frank Lampard.
Lampard was sacked on Monday and Everton are yet to appoint a replacement, although No 1 candidate Marcelo Bielsa flew into London for talks today.
Everton had hoped to bring in Villarreal's Arnaut Danjuma on loan this week, but the Dutch international chose Tottenham instead despite completing a medical on Merseyside.
Earlier this week, Sportsmail confirmed that Newcastle were in formal talks with Everton over a deal for Gordon. However, Gordon's £55m valuation goes above what Newcastle are willing to pay for the 21-year-old.
Therefore, the Magpies initially offered Chris Wood as part of a swap deal before he agreed to join Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of the 2022-2023 campaign.
As it stands, Gordon has 18 months remaining on his current contract at Goodison Park and Everton are holding out for an offer closer to their £55m price tag.
Eddie Howe remained tight-lipped when asked the situation involved Gordon following Newcastle's 1-0 win over Southampton in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Howe said: 'I can tell you absolutely nothing. I've been preparing for this game for the last two days.'
Gordon has taken matter into his own hands to try and push a deal over the line before the January transfer window closes on January 31.
Gordon has missed three days of training this week. His absence on Tuesday was said to have been planned but his lack of attendance on Wednesday and Thursday remains unexplained.