Newcastle United reportedly targeted Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin last summer.
David Moyes has revealed Everton are set to announce on Monday whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin will leave amid reported Newcastle United interest.
Out of contract next month, the England international was understood to be a Toon target last summer. The Telegraph claimed Newcastle made an offer but the Toffees demanded £40million.
Speculation has ramped up in recent weeks as Calvert-Lewin’s deal dwindles into its final stretch. While Alexander Isak remains the undisputed first-choice striker at St James’ Park, there are questions over Callum Wilson’s future.
The 33-year-old has not scored a Premier League goal all season and is also out of contract in June. Calvert-Lewin’s injury record has not been great, with him recently returning from a lengthy hamstring problem, but he is five years Wilson’s junior.
Once viewed as Harry Kane’s deputy at England, the target man has struggled in recent campaigns to replicate that form. Eddie Howe has a proven track record of improving players as well as getting stars into the Three Lions setup.
David Moyes drops Calvert-Lewin contract hint
Ahead of today’s huge Premier League finale, Everton boss Moyes told reporters the club would “put something out on Monday” regarding player contracts. As it stands, high-profile names like Idrissa Gueye, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Michael Keane are set to depart as the Toffees aim to rebuild in their new stadium.
‘Newcastle have done remarkably’ - Moyes
Moyes also hailed the transformation on Tyneside under Howe since the Saudi-backed takeover. Despite the Magpies having Champions League qualification on the line, he believes his team can spoil the party at St James’ Park.
"They've done a remarkable job at Newcastle,” Moyes added. “It's become a football club that is challenging all the big sides. They'll give us a really good game, it'll be a tough day to go there. We've been good away from home, we want to keep that form going and we'll go there confident we can get a result."
Calvert-Lewin dropped hint about staying at Everton
Calvert-Lewin relished a fresh start at Everton with a new stadium in his biggest hint yet about staying when grilled by the press earlier this month. He said: "I'm an Everton player and my focus will always be on doing my best for Everton and I have a lot of respect for Everton football club.
“It's given me everything I have today. My main focus is making sure I am in the best condition, it is like going through a mini pre-season to get fit for these last four games.
“With the new manager coming in the club is moving in the right direction, there's a new stadium and there's a lot to be positive about. Who wouldn't want to be part of that? There was a lot of uncertainty for a long time a little bit higher up and arguably the last three seasons have been the most difficult in Everton's Premier League history and I have been there leading the line through that.
"For me it's built a lot of experience, and I have a lot of fond memories. Everton will always be a place that is special to me, so we will see what happens."
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