TBR Football understands Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be ready to face his former club Everton once his move to Leeds United is finalised.
Calvert-Lewin left the Blues upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season, with David Moyes sanctioning a £33 million move for Thierno Barry as the Englishman’s replacement.
Sources also told TBR Football that Leeds United wanted to sign Rodrigo Muniz; however, the Brazilian is keen on a move to Serie A outfit Atalanta despite Fulham demanding 50 million euros to sanction his departure.
TBR Football also understands Fulham have opened talks over Inter Milan forward Mehdi Taremi – who was also on Leeds’ radar, along with Muniz.
Rodrigo Muniz of Fulham during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Nottingham Forest and Fulham at Estádio de São Luis.
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Leeds explored the possibility of pursuing a move for Taremi, but they have now opted for Calvert-Lewin, with Fulham progressing in talks for the Iranian international.
Exclusive: Dominic Calvert-Lewin is ready to face Everton
Chief correspondent Graeme Bailey exclusively revealed to TBR Football that one of the deciding factors in Leeds pursuing Calvert-Lewin is the forward’s immediate availability ahead of their Premier League return.
Bailey states: “Leeds have been impressed with Calvert-Lewin during their talks and have now made that decision (to sign him).
“Rodrigo Muniz was first choice but that deal is looking unlikely now with a move to Atalanta close for him.
“We could yet see another one, Leeds are in the market for a number of attacking players, but they are really short on the striker front, and Daniel Farke wants another centre forward for the start of the season.”
Everton FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
As previously stated, Taremi is one of several names on the shortlist at Elland Road as Daniel Farke aims to further bolster his attacking line after Calvert-Lewin.
Leeds scouts watched Artem Dovbyk in AS Roma’s 1-0 win against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday and have previously pursued the signing of Andrea Pinamonti of Sassuolo.
Leeds United want Dominic Calvert-Lewin to face Everton
The Whites have been linked to a plethora of attacking options throughout the summer as Farke faces a battle for Premier League survival this season.
Over the past two years, all the newly promoted sides have suffered an immediate return to the Championship.
Calvert-Lewin expressed his desire to leave Everton last season, and now he could prepare to face off against his former employers on the opening day.
Joël Piroe #10 of Leeds United during the Leeds United v AC Milan, pre-season friendly match at Aviva Stadium.
Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images
Joel Piroe proved more than capable of providing goals in the Championship, with 19 goals scored, but the need for a new centre forward has been a hot topic of debate among supporters.
Furthermore, Mateo Joseph contributed only three goals in the second tier in 39 outings, mostly off the bench, but the impending arrival of a forward with nine years of Premier League experience under his belt will go a long way to help ease the concerns at Elland Road.