Newcastle United handed warning after £40m Everton transfer decision
The latest transfer talk from St James Park as Newcastle United look towards a hectic summer transfer window.
Newcastle United have been told exactly what they will be getting if they choose to rekindle their interest in Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The 11-times capped England international was the subject of an enquiry from the Magpies over the weekend as they seek to find a replacement for Callum Wilson, who is believed to be attracting interest from clubs across the Premier League and the Saudi Arabia Pro League. Although Wilson’s departure is far from a certainty, there is a major decision lying in wait for the Magpies as the former Bournemouth striker enters the final 12 months of his current deal at St James Park.
Newcastle have retained a long-term interest in Calvert-Lewin and were said to be keen to take the Toffees striker to Tyneside in the aftermath of the PIF-led takeover of the club in October 2021. However, no agreement could be found as Everton demanded a sizeable fee and that stance is understood to have been replicated in recent days as the Toffees were looking for around £40m before they would consider allowing the striker to depart.
Despite being rebuffed, there have been suggestions Newcastle could well revisit the bid to sign Calvert-Lewin later in the window - but will now focus their attention on authorising a player sale in order to avoid falling foul of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. Everton were said to be interested in a deal for Magpies winger Yankuba Minteh - but it now seems increasingly likely the 19-year-old Gambia international will join Lyon, Borussia Dortmund or Roma over the next week or so.
Once the new profit and sustainability period gets underway next way, Newcastle will look to enhance their squad with a number of new additions to Eddie Howe’s squad. Another centre-back is high on the agenda after the signing of Lloyd Kelly and a goalkeeper is also a priority, with a deal for Burnley stopper James Trafford still being discussed. The Magpies are looking to boost their options on the right wing and have seemingly identified Calvert-Lewin as their preferred option to provide competition for top goalscorer Alexander Isak. Former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino has told the Magpies they will get a ‘fantastic’ player if they do revisit their interest in Calvert-Lewin - but were warned they must be wary of the Everton star’s fitness record in recent years.
He told talkSPORT: “Well, his actual goal record isn’t that bad over the time he has played for Everton. His numbers in recent years haven’t been particularly good. I think last year was seven Premier League goals. He has been blighted by injuries for so long. Calvert-Lewin at his best is a hell of a player and probably one of the best aerial players in the Premier League. He’s fantastic at getting up, leap, headers and powerful. But he has to stay fit. Can Eddie Howe keep him fit? Whether Eddie thinks he can solve that problem at Calvert-Lewin’s best, then he is a hell of a signing. He is in the last year of his contract, isn’t he? That’s probably why they are getting together.”