Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has shared details of what he has heard about Newcastle United’s interest in Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The England international recently emerged as a target for the Magpies, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin identified as a player who could come in and replace Callum Wilson at St James’ Park.
It could be a summer of change at Newcastle United, with Wilson’s future very much up in the air right now. Eddie Howe has told the media that he wants to keep the 32-year-old, but the hierarchy feel different.
They believe it is time to sell Wilson, given his age and contract situation. His current deal expires in 2025, meaning this summer is the last chance to get some money for him.
That is why replacements are being linked, and Calvert-Lewin is certainly an interesting candidate. He is a player who Eddie Howe thinks he can get more out of, while a deal would not break the bank given the fact his current Everton contract also expires next year.
Craig Hope not expecting Dominic Calvert-Lewin to sign for Newcastle United
The 27-year-old could be a decent option to take Wilson’s place at Newcastle and become Alexander Isak’s deputy. However, Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope is not expecting the Toffees forward to make the move.
Hope has appeared on Sky Sports News’ Back Pages Tonight show, and addressed a story in the Mirror that stated Newcastle were confident about signing Calvert-Lewin from Everton this summer.
“I think Eddie Howe’s preference is to try and keep Callum Wilson this summer,” he said.
“He sees a greater need elsewhere in the squad, notably right-wing, perhaps a new goalkeeper and centre-halves as well.
“I’d be surprised [if Newcastle do sign Calvert-Lewin]. Eddie Howe does like Calvert-Lewin. They have enquired about him before in previous windows. This story dropped last week. My information then was ‘yes he’s on a list, but he’s not top of that list and it wouldn’t be a priority’.”
Hope added: “My latest information was that they are looking elsewhere for now.”
Calvert-Lewin deal will depend on Wilson’s future and Newcastle’s budget
There are two factors that will determine whether or not Newcastle make a move for Calvert-Lewin.
The first, and most important, is Callum Wilson. If the Magpies do not sell him, they will not move for DCL. Given the lack of European football, it is difficult to envision how the club can justify having three strikers of that calibre, while Calvert-Lewin also probably would not be as interested in the move.
From a business perspective, Newcastle should move Wilson on. That is what is currently expected to happen, but plans can change. It will depend on if there is a buyer willing to pay a decent fee, as well as the number nine’s appetite to wave goodbye to St James’ Park.
The other factor that will influence Newcastle’s Calvert-Lewin stance is money. Given his contract situation, he is probably a cheaper option to take Wilson’s place in the Toon squad – even if he would not be the most inspiring recruit.
But with Newcastle wanting to splash out on a new right winger, the club’s budget might only stretch so far. That could see them opt to go for Calvert-Lewin ahead of someone like Benjamin Sesko, who has been linked but will command a much bigger fee.
There are a lot of moving parts, most of which are up in the air at this moment in time.
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