Callum Wilson is likely to be first-choice in attack under Eddie Howe after top-scoring in his two seasons at Newcastle, but the 30-year-old’s injury history suggests backup will be needed as he’s missed 32 of out 76 Premier League games for the Magpies.
Chris Wood was signed in January from Burnley, but the 30-year-old netted just two goals in 17 games, so he’s not able to shoulder the scoring burden. Joelinton would be the other option, but he’s not scored more than four league goals in a season, so he can’t be relied upon either.
This is why Eddie Howe needs another striker this summer, but he’s so far failed to get a deal over the line. Newcastle have shown an interest in Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, Ivan Toney, Armando Broja without a move materialising, but Dean Jones says Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still an option.
He told Give Me Sport: “Calvert-Lewin is still the guy that they would love to lead their attack, (but) we obviously haven’t seen an aggressive push to sign him at this point.
“I think Newcastle are trying to get the kind of figures into place that might convince Everton to do business. They know Everton don’t want to sell the player, so you’ll have to put forward a good offer if it’s going to happen.”
Calvert-Lewin joined Everton from Sheffield United in 2016 and has gone on make 190 appearances in all competitions, scoring 58 goals with 18 assists. He came onto clubs’ radar after bagging 13 league goals in 2019/20 and 16 league goals in 2020/21, but the England international was poor last season.
Calvert-Lewin scored five goals in an injury-hit campaign which diminished his stock, but Everton have him tied down for another three years. They need him as they narrowly avoided relegation, so Newcastle might have to stump up a lot of money to change their position.
Howe is unwilling to pay over the odds for new recruits, however, so time will tell if Newcastle get Calvert-Lewin.
In other news, Paul Robinson gives Newcastle warning over Financial Fair Play
