According to The Chronicle, Newcastle United are eyeing up a summer move for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to replace an out-of-contract Callum Wilson.
Newcastle are in the final stages of their Premier League campaign, with just seven fixtures remaining in the race for Champions League qualification ahead of next season.
The Magpies are currently fourth in the top flight after a confident 4-1 victory over Manchester United last night and have a quick turnaround in fixtures as they welcome Crystal Palace to St James’ Park on Wednesday.
After already qualifying for Conference League football following their monumental Carabao Cup win, they have a strong opportunity to upgrade their European experience next season if they can keep up their recent form.
The summer will be an equally exciting time for the Geordies, as strong reinvestment into the squad is expected, and high-quality reinforcements will be warmly welcomed if the Champions League is confirmed on Tyneside.
It has been widely reported that a centre-back and right winger signing will be the priority for Newcastle when the transfer market reopens, but they could also need to add depth to their centre forward position with Callum Wilson yet to commit his future at the club beyond the summer.
The Chronicle has reported that Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin was interested in switching Merseyside for Tyneside last June, but Newcastle pulled out of negotiations when Everton’s demands were too high.
Now it is believed that the North East giants could be interested in reigniting their interest in the goal-scorer, with Eddie Howe a huge admirer of him and Wilson’s future hanging in the balance.
Should Newcastle sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin?
Going into next season with just Alexander Isak and William Osula would be a disaster for Newcastle if they did earn a spot in the Champions League, so Wilson’s situation will play a huge part in the club’s summer plans.
Luckily, Isak has been relatively injury-free for the most part of this season so Wilson’s reoccurring fitness issues haven’t had a huge affect on their historic trophy-winning campaign so far.
Indeed, Calvert-Lewin would be an ideal option for Newcastle given his experience in the Premier League, however, like Wilson he is also extremely injury prone making him potentially just as unreliable as his fellow England international.
Over 269 appearances for Everton, the 28-year-old goal machine – once hailed “fantastic” by Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti – has netted 71 goals and registered 2o assists and with a 6 foot 1 stature offers a huge aerial threat in front of goal, so would be a great target-man option for the Magpies.
Calvert-Lewin will be out of contract this summer so financially it would be a low-risk option for Newcastle whether Wilson stays or leaves this summer, but the striker would need to be comfortable with playing in rotation as Isak is the undisputed first choice up front.
With that being said, a move for Calvert-Lewin will be one to watch for Newcastle fans this summer and if he can improve his injury record could become a valuable asset in the squad next season.
