Newcastle United and Manchester United hold transfer interest in Dominic Calvert-Lewin.placeholder image
Newcastle United and Manchester United hold transfer interest in Dominic Calvert-Lewin. | AFP via Getty Images
The former Everton striker is available as a free agent this summer after quitting the Merseyside outfit.
Newcastle United and Manchester United have been credited with transfer interest in former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, less than two weeks after claims that West Ham had rubbished reports that they were courting the 28-year-old.
Calvert-Lewin confirmed his decision to leave the Toffees after nine years at the end of June and is now on the hunt for a new club. 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.
“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.”
West Ham confront transfer links with Everton striker
That has sparked transfer rumours over the player’s future. Even before it had been officially confirmed that he would leave Everton, West Ham were credited with interest. In the middle of June, transfer specialist Sebastien Vidal wrote: “West Ham pushing to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin! The Everton striker is set to become a free agent this summer and is a top target for Graham Potter.
“Talks are expected to take place directly with the player, who’s free to choose his next club. A £100k/week deal is reportedly being prepared.”
Graham Potter’s side are in the market for a striker this summer following the end of Evan Ferguson’s underwhelming loan spell from Brighton. Michail Antonio is also expected to leave while it’s clear that the team cannot depend solely on the injury-prone Niclas Fullkrug.
However, Hammer News has since claimed that a West Ham spokesperson has said there is ‘no truth’ to those links due to the player’s injury record. Calvert-Lewin failed to start a Premier League game after January 25 last term due to a hamstring injury.
Newcastle United and Manchester United court Calvert-Lewin
talkSPORT claim that Newcastle United and Manchester United are now leading the race to sign Calvert-Lewin with the Magpies reportedly holding talks with the bagsman. Newcastle United have just seen stalwart Callum Wilson leave St James’ Park in pursuit of greater playing time, despite offering the player a new contract.
Leeds United are also said to hold interest in Calvert-Lewin as they prepare to return to the Premier League but the striker’s wage demands are expected to rule them out of the transfer race.
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, 'Matter of time' - Club manager all-but confirms West Ham transfer involving player with 'extraordinary qualities'.
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