Danny Murphy has insisted Anthony Gordon is "not on Luis Diaz's level" despite the Newcastle winger seemingly edging toward a move to Bayern Munich.
Gordon appears to be heading for the exit at Newcastle this summer, and while he has been heavily linked with Liverpool over the past couple of years — having come close to a switch to Anfield in 2024 — Bayern looks increasingly likely to be his next destination.
Speculation surrounding the German giants has intensified this week, though a disagreement between Bayern and Newcastle over the winger's valuation could yet hand Liverpool the chance to swoop in and steal the deal.
Bayern are reportedly reluctant to pay over the odds, with questions remaining over how much game time Gordon would actually receive, given the impressive form of former Liverpool man Diaz and Michael Olise throughout the campaign.
Murphy has admitted he struggles to see Gordon displacing Bayern's current options, casting doubt over the logic behind a potential move to the Allianz Arena.
"I'm a little surprised," Murphy told talkSPORT. "I mean, I like Anthony Gordon; he's got great strengths and qualities.
"His consistency is a problem. He's had that wonderful run in Europe this season, but a lot of penalties. This is his highest-scoring season.
"But when you look at where Munich are at, I don't think he threatens the XI. He's not on Diaz's level. So from a footballing perspective... Of course, if it does happen, (he will get an) amazing contract. They'll pay him more than he's on at Newcastle. He's going to a club that is more likely to win things.
"They're going to play 60 games, so he'll get games. But he's not on the same level as Luis Diaz. And he's what, four years younger? Three years younger? So unless Munich have got some sort of plans (and) Diaz is off somewhere...
"Okay, he's got confidence in himself, fine. I'm sure he has. He's that type of lad. But from a footballing perspective, as a player, I'm trying to look at it from his point of view other than the financial gain, you're going to be sitting on the bench."
Gordon is understood to be Bayern's primary target this summer, yet the Bundesliga giants remain considerably short of Newcastle's asking price. Newcastle are thought to be demanding around €80 million (£69 million) for Gordon's services, while Bayern place his worth at just €60 million (£52 million). Liverpool and Arsenal are also believed to be keeping close tabs on the England international, leaving Newcastle facing a considerable headache over his future.
