Sources: Major update on Newcastle United bid to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Newcastle United have held preliminary Dominic Calvert-Lewin talks but his preference is to join Arsenal, Football Insider understands.
The Everton striker’s future is up in the air going into the summer window and Premier League clubs are racing to sign him.
A Newcastle source has told Football Insider that Calvert-Lewin, 25, is on their target list as they look to recruit an elite centre-forward capable of scoring 20-plus goals a season.
Early talks have taken place with the striker’s representatives as Newcastle make their pitch to lure him to the north-east.
But, as revealed by Football Insider last month (27 April), Calvert-Lewin’s preference remains to join Arsenal.
Everton will listen to offers for Calvert-Lewin as they look to raise cash and completely reshape a team that is desperately fighting to avoid relegation.
Calvert-Lewin has been hailed "amazing" by teammate Salomon Rondon.
Newcastle have struggled to score goals this season with Callum Wilson still the club's top scorer despite his last strike coming on 4 December against Burnley.
January recruit Chris Wood has also struggled to find the net, only scoring once from open play in black and white.
With just two games of the season remaining, the Magpies have registered 40 goals in the league from an expected goals rate of 38.1xG [Understat]
Despite this poor goalscoring record, Newcastle will play Premier League football next season with safety secured following Leeds United's loss to Chelsea on Wednesday (11 May).
Calvert-Lewin hasn't scored in the Premier League since August after missing most of the season through injury.
However, last season he was one of the league's most potent hitmen, bagging 16 goals in 33 appearances.