LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Newcastle United FC at Goodison Park on October 05, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is one of a number of Everton players out of contract at the end of the season
Newcastle United making a move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin would be a ‘intriguing prospect’ for the striker.
The 28-year-old has yet to confirm his intentions but with his deal at Everton expiring at the end of the season, it’s largely expected he will move onto a new club this summer.
United have over the last 18 months been linked with a move for Calvert-Lewin countless times, with interest being firmed up last summer without any deal being finalised.
That interest in Calvert-Lewin remains but after another season disrupted by injury - United are likely to turn their attention to other targets.
However, Calvert-Lewin has been tipped to make an impact at St. James’ Park should The Magpies’ transfer chiefs be persuaded his injury nightmare is behind him.
Ian Croll, the host of Everton’s The Royal Blue Podcast, when asked whether Calvert-Lewin could do a job at United, said: “Yeah, absolutely. If I’m going to be totally honest, I thought Dominic Calvert-Lewin should have left Everton last summer. I know he was heavily linked.
“The one thing I'll say about Dominic Calvert-Lewin, he never gives up. He's a talented footballer. Whether he is a clinical goal scorer has always remained the big question.
“You'd only have to look at his record. He's spent eight years now at Everton and although being the fourth highest Premier League goalscorer in Everton Football Club's history, he's struggled with injury even when he's come back.
“He's gone through huge barren spells of 17, 18 games without a goal. However, in his defence, he has played in an extremely poor team who don't create many chances. Calvert-Lewin playing in a team who would create more chances, and opportunities for him - it could be an intriguing prospect.”
Other than concerns over Calvert-Lewin’s fitness record - he’s missed 15 game this season through injury - his wage demands could also prove troublesome. The England international is thought to be on £100K per-week, and with questions asked with regard to his ability to stay fit - to pay such a wage may be deemed a gamble by some.
Calvert-Lewin would arrive as back-up to Alexander Isak but despite that, Croll believes the former Sheffield United may see that as a benefit.
“It depends what Calvert-Lewin wants at this point in his career - does he want to go to Newcastle to play second fiddle because he's going to play second fiddle to Isak.
“He may be thinking that it might benefit him to an extent because he doesn't have to play every game and his recovery time, will be longer.
“Newcastle being in Europe, whether that's the Champions League or Europa League, the games will still come thick and fast.
“Newcastle are going to need a bigger squad. Having a bigger squad comes with maybe less quality sometimes.
“Dominic Calvert-Lewin has got quality, it's just question marks over his future and whether he's just got that clinical quality that you need.”
Croll was appearing on The Everything is Black and White Podcast, and provided the View from the Opposition ahead of Newcastle United’s clash with Everton on Sunday.
You can listen to the episode here, or watch it here.