Newcastle United told there is something ‘dreadful’ about bargain transfer option

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are yet to utilise the free agent market this summer, 12 months after signing Lloyd Kelly and John Ruddy on free transfers.

It is an ideal way for Eddie Howe to bolster his Newcastle United squad without putting too much strain on the club’s PSR position, but it is all dependent on the options that are available.

Jonathan David was the most lucrative free agent going, and Newcastle did look at him. However, David is joining Juventus.

Another option available to the Magpies is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He is a long-term Toon target, having almost moved to St James’ Park last summer.

Calvert-Lewin is now a free agent after leaving Everton, and could be a solution to Howe’s striker problem. The Newcastle United manager needs more backup for Alexander Isak, and the 28-year-old could potentially provide that.

Newcastle United warned that signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a ‘gamble’

Some Newcastle fans think Calvert-Lewin will sign, although a warning has suddenly arrived from Tony Cascarino.

The former Chelsea player has been speaking about Calvert-Lewin on TalkSPORT, admitting that any club that signs the striker is taking a risk because of his injury record.

“If you look at his injury record, it is dreadful,” he said.

“Is he a player that would be useful if he was fit? Absolutely. Calvert-Lewin at his best and being fit is a good player. He’s a real handful. He’s probably one of the best headers of the ball in the Premier League. His ability to get off the ball and hang and direct headers is exceptional.

“But he doesn’t get on the football field enough.

“He’s obviously chosen to leave Everton for pastures new. I’m sure there will have been contact from other clubs, but he’s clearly a player you’re going to have to take a gamble on whether he can play enough football. I don’t know that answer. His injury record over the last two or three years, it is not good reading.”

Who Dominic Calvert-Lewin would replace at Newcastle United would be cause for concern

Clubs must ask themselves if Calvert-Lewin is a risk worth taking. For Newcastle United, that is an even bigger question based on who he would replace at St James’ Park.

It has been reported that Callum Wilson is still set to leave Newcastle, despite the club being yet to formally announce his departure after the expiration of his contract.

If he does leave, he will be difficult to replace. Whoever arrives will know that they are backup to Isak, which is not something that every player will relish.

Whether or not it is something that would appeal to Calvert-Lewin remains to be seen. Even if it does, Newcastle must weigh up whether it is too big a risk to replace one injury-ridden striker with another.

Premier League games missed:

Wilson’s problem has been staying fit, and the same goes for Calvert-Lewin. While he could be an affordable replacement, he is no use to anyone if he is not fit enough to be involved.

That is something that every club will be considering, as opposed to just Newcastle. Manchester United are targeting Calvert-Lewin too, while there is interest from overseas.