According to Caught Offside, Newcastle United will face competition in their pursuit of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who will be a free agent this summer.
After a disappointing summer transfer window on Tyneside, sporting director Paul Mitchell will be under pressure to deliver new additions who can add more quality and long-term progression for the club.
The former Tottenham Hotspur man has only been in the driving seat of the recruitment process at Newcastle for a few months, but his previous success means that high expectations will be held on him to improve the already super-talented squad at St James’ Park.
Newcastle’s recent incredible form has taken a lot of pressure off both Mitchell and Eddie Howe in the current transfer window, but complacency would be foolish as there is a real opportunity to progress in domestic cup competitions and earn European football qualification.
Indeed, the strict financial obligations that Newcastle find themselves battling with do play their part in stumping their rapid progression over the last 18 months, but with a potential sale of Martin Dubravka imminent and the chance to sell Miguel Almiron to the MLS, there is hope that fresh perspectives can be added to key roles in the team.
The reported top priority for the Geordies is to sign a right winger to complete the attacking threat and a centre-back to not only add depth to the defensive set-up, but ultimately replace Fabian Schar, who turned 33 last month.
Speaking of replacing players, there are several Newcastle stalwarts coming to the end of their contracts in the summer and one of the most notable is striker Callum Wilson, who is one of the few players left from before the Saudi-led takeover went through.
The England international has had bursts of incredible form in the North East, but his injury record has hindered his opportunities to take the lead role for longer periods of time during his tenure and will likely be allowed to leave as a free agent in the summer of 2025.
Reports today are claiming, once again, that Newcastle are interested in signing Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin when his contract expires on Merseyside at the end of the season, but they will face some tough competition.
Caught Offside are claiming that not only are Premier League peers West Ham United keeping an eye on Calvert-Lewin’s situation at Everton, but also Serie A giants AC Milan.
The 27-year-old is said to be open to renewing his contract with the Blues, but recently rejected an offer and is becoming a hot prospect in the final six months of his contract for many clubs vying for his signature.
Should Newcastle sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin?
There is no doubt that Newcastle should replace Wilson if he leaves for free in the summer, although William Osula is starting to pick up minutes in the first team after signing for the club last summer.
Something that Calvert-Lewin can offer over Osula is his Premier League experience with a number of seasons under his belt already, but it will be interesting to see whether the Englishman will want to go to a club where he will have to play second fiddle.
It is undisputed that, when fit, Alexander Isak is the starting striker for the Magpies and unless the club is open to selling the Swedish star, which seems incredibly unlikely, Calvert-Lewin would be on the bench behind him for the most part.
Similarly to Wilson, the Everton hitman – once hailed “dangerous” by Ian Wright – has had his fair share of long-term injury problems which is not ideal at all as it could put them back in the frustrating situation they have found themselves in with their own English striker.
Having said that, if Newcastle could secure his services for free in the summer it would be a great piece of business, especially if he could boost his goal contributions in a much more clinical attacking threat on Tyneside.
With that being said, a move for Calvert-Lewin will be a very interesting one to watch for Newcastle supporters, but given the fact he is out of contract any interest is unlikely to be explored until the summer transfer window.
