Exclusive: Newcastle line up ‘perfect Callum Wilson replacement’ on a free
Newcastle United are lining up a move to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the Magpies will wait until the end of the season to swoop for 27-year-old rather than making a move this month.
Everton are reluctant to lose their first-choice centre-forward in the middle of the season, and will demand £15million for his early departure, putting Newcastle off of a move.
Calvert-Lewin is seen as the “perfect replacement” for Callum Wilson, who looks set to leave the club when his contract expires in June.
Instead, they will turn their attention towards the Everton forward after missing out on a cut-price deal in the summer when they could not reach an agreement with the Toffees.
Newcastle plot Dominic Calvert-Lewin swoop after Everton contract rejected
Football Insider revealed in July that the Magpies were eyeing up a move to sign Calvert-Lewin after their initial deal collapsed because they could not clear space in their squad.
Everton, meanwhile, were desperate to tie the 27-year-old down to a new contract at Goodison Park, but he has so far rejected every offer.
As a result, he is widely expected to move for free at the end of the season, with foreign clubs also keeping a close eye on his situation with a pre-contract offer on the cards.
Newcastle, though, are hopeful they can persuade the forward to hold off on signing an agreement elsewhere in favour of a move to St James’ Park.
The striker has been a source of frustration for Everton this season, scoring just two goals in 20 games, but remains a key part of their fight against relegation and will not be allowed to leave on a cut-price deal this month.
In other news, Newcastle ‘doing everything they can’ to keep Alexander Isak.
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