Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Fri 18 October 2024 17:00, UK

Everton’s number one priority over the coming months is securing Dominic Calvert-Lewin to a new contract, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed the Merseyside giants are trying to keep hold of their best players right now rather than look at potential incomers.

Calvert-Lewin is considered one of those players, and he is coming into the final six months of his deal at Goodison Park.

The 27-year-old will be out of contract at Everton after this season, but talks are ongoing between him and the club over a potential new deal.

However, the England international is in a strong position and will be free to talk to foreign clubs from January where he could potentially sign a pre-contract agreement.

Well-placed sources have told Football Insider that the club are working hard behind the scenes to retain Calvert-Lewin’s services past this season.

He has rejected multiple contract offers to this point, but Everton have not given up hope of a breakthrough in talks.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Everton future is in his hands

Football Insider previously reported that Everton are “desperate” to retain the experienced striker and want him to commit his future before the January transfer window.

There are other Premier League clubs interested in his services, and Football Insider revealed that Newcastle were monitoring him during the summer transfer window.

However, Calvert-Lewin wouldn’t be able to negotiate with any teams in the English top flight until his contract officially expires at Everton.

The striker has been under contract at Goodison Park since 2016 after joining the club from Sheffield United.

Calvert-Lewin has proven himself a capable Premier League striker throughout his career, scoring 56 goals in 220 appearances in the division.

In other news, Everton could be ‘one of five’ clubs hit by new points deductions – Keith Wyness.

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