Lampard claims Gordon 'was never close' to leaving Everton amid Chelsea interest

Frank Lampard has claimed Anthony Gordon was 'never on the verge' of leaving Everton during the summer transfer window despite interest from Chelsea.

The London club had a £45m bid for Gordon rejected and it was claimed they were willing to pay up to £60m for him.

Lampard has always insisted he wants to keep Gordon and he got his wish as he stays at Everton until January at the earliest.

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"It was never close to happening," Lampard said of the interest in Gordon as he spoke ahead of Saturday's Merseyside derby against Liverpool.

"It's great because it showed where we come from and it shows where Anthony is mentally as a player and we're moving on. We're happy."

Gordon shrugged off speculation over his future to score in Everton's last two games, 1-1 Premier League draws at Brentford and Leeds.

Everton are still awaiting their first league win of the season after opening two defeats and three draws.

But the additions of Neal Maupay, Idrissa Gana Gueye and James Garner - all of whom could feature against Liverpool at Goodison Park - left Lampard in an optimistic mood as the transfer window ended.

He said: "I'm glad the window is closed and it's probably complicated things this far into the season.

"I think we've been strategic in our approach, from owner to chairman to board.

"I hope this is reflected in what we are getting now. When I look at the team I am happy, now it's time to put your head down and work.

"Idrissa Gueye is a player of today. The club knows him very well and he knows the club. In terms of quality as a deeper midfielder, he gives me a different player profile.< /p>

"With James Garner, he is a young player with a lot of energy and quality and he will help us improve.

"I think it's a sensible decision for us. We also have good competition there and that's important throughout the season."

Lampard lost his previous Merseyside derby in charge of Everton, 2-0 at Anfield in April.

He was criticized for showing a lack of ambition that night as Everton only managed one shot on target.

Lampard said: "I've been lucky enough to be in a lot of London derbies, but when you talk about a city like Liverpool and what that means for both clubs… The city is so 50/50 and it amps up the intensity of the game and what it means to the fans.

"This is my first at Goodison Park and we have to live up to the passion with which they will show up.

"We know Liverpool very well. They are a class act on the pitch, there will be similarities to how Leeds have settled into their intensity and we have to deal with that.

"We should have more points, but the feeling is that we are getting better and better."