Dominic Calvert-Lewin is nearing a move to Leeds United.
Rodrigo Muniz looked set for a switch to Elland Road as the Whites initially targeted the Fulham No.9 this summer, but after that deal failed to materialise, the England international is set to join Leeds United on a free transfer.
The 28-year-old has been a free agent all summer after his contract with Everton expired at the end of last season.
After entering free agency, Dominic Calvert-Lewin sat down to speak about his future with Jake Humphrey, where he made a comment which suggests Leeds United was not the move he hoped for.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin said he wanted to avoid a relegation battle at his next club
Speaking on the High Performance podcast back in June, the man born in Sheffield admitted: “The last three or four seasons have been a lot of survival (battles at Everton) so I want to make sure it’s a winning environment. That’s the main thing for me.
“Ultimately with that, I’ll be getting back in the England team, playing in the Champions League. That’s always been my driver, to perform at the highest level possible.”
Having only just come up from the Championship, Leeds United, along with Sunderland and Burnley, are highly likely to be involved in a relegation battle, which is exactly what Calvert-Lewin hoped to avoid.
TBR Football understand Newcastle held talks with Calvert-Lewin, while Manchester United and Nottingham Forest expressed interest before those discussions, which are closer to the type of moves his comments suggest he expected to materialise.
Everton could be haunted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin immediately
In a strange twist of fate, Leeds United actually host Everton in their Premier League opener on Monday.
TBR Football understand Calvert-Lewin is fit and ready to take part in that game, where he could make the Toffees regret their decision to release him immediately.
Everton fans are certainly scared, with fears also lingering over Jack Harrison making an impact, who has since returned to Leeds after spending the last two seasons on loan with the Toffees.