West Ham have been linked with a move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.placeholder image
West Ham have been linked with a move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. | AFP via Getty Images
Graham Potter is in the market for a new striker following the return of Evan Ferguson to Brighton this summer.
It has been touted that the 28-year-old would not extend his stay with the Toffees but official confirmation had not come until today. Premier League rivals, including the Hammers and the Whites, have been linked with a move for the player.
Calvert-Lewin has endured injury riddled seasons in recent years but has 57 Premier League goals to his name in 239 top flight outings. His departure from Everton brings about an end to a nine-year stay with the club, which he joined from Sheffield United in 2016.
West Ham and Leeds United target Everton striker
West Ham are in the market for a striker with TEAMtalk the latest to carry reports of interest in Calvert-Lewin. The Hammers spent £27 million last summer to bring Niclas Fullkrug to the London Stadium from Borussia Dortmund, but the forward struggled in his first campaign. Meanwhile, Evan Ferguson was added to the ranks in January on loan from Brighton, but failed to score for the club and a permanent move looks impossible.
Newly promoted Leeds United are also said to be very interested in Calvert-Lewin. With the striker now officially to be a free agent, the race between potential suitors will shift up a gear ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Calvert-Lewin shared an emotional post on social media on Sunday to confirm his decision to seek a new challenge ahead of his contract’s expiry this week. The striker wrote: “After nine remarkable years at this club, I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision - together with my family - to begin a new chapter in my career. This isn’t something I chose lightly. Everton has been my home since I was 19 years old.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin to leave Everton
“It’s the place that saw potential in me, challenged me to grow, and shaped me both as a footballer and as a man. I want to express my gratitude to all the managers and coaches I’ve worked with over the years, and to my teammates who have become lifelong friends.”
Calvert-Lewin made 26 Premier League appearances last season for Everton but only scored three goals. He missed a chunk of the campaign between February and the end of April due to a hamstring injury and didn’t score after mid January.
Despite his injuries, Calvert-Lewin did impress at times last season. He was crucial as Everton beat Liverpool 2-0 at Goodison Park and was hailed as ‘outstanding’ by former Toffees boss Sean Dyche. The manager said: "I said to him after the match, 'That is the sort of performance that gets you back around the England squad'.
“It is too early yet and I am not making any bold statement because Gareth Southgate has a lot of players to choose from, but certainly with that kind of performance he should be recognised as a top centre forward.
"I thought he was excellent. He's had a bit of illness. We're hopeful that has passed, he had it before the game, so I must commend him on that. His physical performance was outstanding, He's not quite over it but we hope it settles down a bit.”
In other news, West Ham 'lurking' over £15m transfer hijack of 15-goal striker.
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