The months ahead represent a defining period for Anthony Gordon. For now, the Newcastle winger's immediate attention is focused on helping his club climb out of a troubling run of form.

Beyond that, a World Cup looms — one in which Gordon is determined to play a significant role for England.

And threading through both is what promises to be one of the summer transfer window's most compelling storylines: where Gordon plays his football next season.

A move to Germany is taking shape, with Bayern Munich emerging as serious suitors for the 25-year-old former Everton forward.

Footballers are trained to keep their minds on the present, but you could forgive Gordon for casting the occasional glance towards what lies ahead.

BBC Sport looks at his standing in Thomas Tuchel's England plans ahead of the World Cup, and the state of play surrounding his club future.

BBC Sport understands that Gordon is among a group of players Newcastle are willing to sell at the end of the season.

As reported by BBC Sport last week, the club faces a stark financial reality: if they fail to secure European football, head coach Eddie Howe will need transfer receipts to fund any meaningful squad overhaul — which means at least one high-value departure.

Gordon is among five players likely to attract the biggest fees, alongside Tino Livramento, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Lewis Hall.

Bayern Munich have moved quickly to capitalise on that situation, with sources indicating the Bundesliga champions have stepped up their pursuit of Gordon in recent weeks.

Well-placed sources say Gordon is aware of Bayern's interest — and, as things stand, he is understood to be open to the idea of moving to Germany.

The appeal of Bayern is obvious. They are among Europe's best-paying clubs, virtually guarantee silverware each season, and would offer Gordon the chance to line up alongside England captain Harry Kane at club level.

However, with Luis Diaz apparently established in Bayern's left-wing role, questions remain over how much regular playing time Gordon could realistically expect at the Allianz Arena.

And while sources suggest a move to Germany carries genuine momentum, one significant obstacle stands in the way: the transfer fee.

Newcastle are in a position to hold out for a minimum of £70m for Gordon this summer.

They paid £45m to sign him from Everton three years ago, though the following season he was made available to Liverpool by the club.

With four years still remaining on his contract, Newcastle retain considerable leverage — even if profit and sustainability pressures at St James' Park mean Bayern will sense there is room to negotiate.

What's more, Bayern are unlikely to be the only club at the table.

Arsenal have tracked Gordon for some time and weighed a formal approach in the summer of 2024.

That interest is understood to remain intact, with the Gunners again looking to strengthen on the left wing this summer.

The extent of Arsenal's pursuit will ultimately hinge on Newcastle's asking price, with the Premier League leaders expected to take a more measured approach to the summer window as they weigh up several other targets.

On the international stage, Gordon has his sights set on a prominent role under Tuchel at the World Cup.

The England manager's preferred starting line-up is largely settled, but a handful of positions remain genuinely contested — and the left-wing berth is among the most open. Gordon appears to be competing with Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers for that spot.

Tuchel values Gordon's all-round contribution, and there is a feeling within the camp that he offers more defensive structure than either Rashford or Rogers — a quality that could become increasingly important as England progress through the tournament.

His attacking output, of course, is not in question either.

Rogers impressed in the number 10 role during Jude Bellingham's absence in qualifying, but with the Real Madrid midfielder expected to reclaim that position at the World Cup, the Aston Villa forward's most accessible route into the starting XI may be by displacing Gordon on the left flank.

Rashford, meanwhile, has Tuchel firmly in his corner. It was the England boss who recalled him from international exile following his appointment, and the German continues to hold the Barcelona loanee in high regard — valuing his pace and directness as key assets in his attacking plans.