Newcastle to strike for Calvert-lewin
Club set to launch bid after avoiding relegation Howe’s side poised to adopt Saudi-style kit for away games
Newcastle United will launch a bold bid to sign England international striker Dominic Calvert-lewin now they are certain of a place in the Premier League next season.
Newcastle have identified Calvert-lewin as one of their priority targets this summer, and have been encouraged to believe the player would like to make the move before the start of next season.
Hugo Ekitike, the Reims forward, is also expected to join after a move collapsed on deadline day in January because the player was reluctant to leave France so soon after breaking into the first team. It remains to be seen whether Everton, who are still involved in a relegation battle following a 0-0 draw at Watford on Wednesday, are willing to consider letting Calvert-lewin leave.
The centre-forward was once again used as a substitute at Vicarage Road, and has had his injury problems this season. But Newcastle’s interest in him is long-standing, and he is someone manager Eddie Howe believes would upgrade his offensive options. Crucially, Calvert-lewin, 25, also fits into Newcastle’s recruitment strategy this summer, when they will look to sign players to bring down the average age of their squad.
Newcastle are willing to listen to offers for most of the older members of their squad, with the likes of Matt Ritchie, Ciaran Clark, Karl Darlow, Federico Fernandez, Isaac Hayden, Jeff Hendrick and Dwight Gayle all able to leave at the end of the season if they can find another club. The signing of a centre-forward, to compete with the injury-prone Callum Wilson and January signing Chris Wood, is a key part of their recruitment plans. Although Brentford’s Ivan Toney, Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah and Benfica’s Darwin Nunez are also on the club’s shortlist, it is understood Calvert-lewin has moved to the top of that list. Meanwhile, Newcastle are understood to have approved a new away jersey next season that will carry the traditional green and white colours of Saudi Arabia. Saudi’s Public Investment Fund owns 80 per cent of the club. The kit – predominantly white with green trim – is similar to that worn by the Saudi national team.