Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has suggested that Newcastle United should forget about trying to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer after a Magpies source revealed Eddie Howe's interest.
The Lowdown: Magpies given Calvert-Lewin encouragement
The 25-year-old first joined the Toffees in a £1.5m deal from Sheffield United six years ago, where he has since gone on to make 191 senior appearances in the Premier League during that time.
Despite still having three years remaining on his current contract at Goodison Park, the striker has recently been linked with a move away from Merseyside due to the club’s financial problems, with Everton believed to have recorded losses of approximately £250m over the past two seasons.
The Magpies are thought to be heading into the upcoming transfer window looking for a new centre-forward, and a Newcastle source told Football Insider just last week that Howe’s side have been encouraged to pursue the 11-cap international.
The Latest: Robinson’s transfer ‘risk’ claim
Robinson however, after hearing that news, thinks the St. James’ outfit should be targeting Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus instead, who only has 12 months left on his deal at the Etihad. He told Football Insider:
“Callum Wilson is a top player.
“We saw at the end of the season just how important he is for them.
“He is injury prone though. He has had an unfortunate time with injuries.
“They play with one up top right now with two players out wide. Is Calvert-Lewin versatile enough to play as one of the wide players, probably not. I also question whether he is better than Wilson.
“He has had a hit and miss season. He scored an important goal late on but other than that he struggled.
“I think signing him would be a risk when you take into account how much Everton would want for him.
“I think they should go for someone like Jesus instead. He is the type of player Newcastle should be going after.”
The Verdict: If the price is right…
Even though Calvert-Lewin has only clocked up 17 top-flight appearances this season after being ruled out of action for the first four months of the campaign with injury, he has still managed to make an impact in the final third, scoring five goals and registering two assists, as per Transfermarkt.
As a result of Frank Lampard’s blues narrowly surviving relegation, if the 6 foot 1 talisman was to depart, Everton would probably be expected to ask for a significant sum of money which they could put towards some much-needed transfer funds to buy a better profile of player if they want to stay clear of the drop zone.
So, we feel this deal all depends on the price demands from Merseyside, as Calvert-Lewin could provide some serious competition upfront and help Newcastle aim for a top ten finish next term, but perhaps not for his £37.8m valuation given by Transfermarkt.