Dominic Calvert-Lewin holds fresh talks with Newcastle over free transfer | OneFootball

Newcastle United have held new rounds of talks with free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin over a summer transfer following his Everton departure.

Per talkSPORT, “Calvert-Lewin has held fresh talks with Newcastle and boss Eddie Howe is a long-term admirer.”

The Magpies announced the departure of Callum Wilson yesterday. The Englishman leaves St. James’ Park following a five-year stint in Tyneside.

Newcastle need a new striker to provide back-up to first-choice centre-forward Alexander Isak, and Calvert-Lewin fits the bill.

Calvert-Lewin, like Wilson, is a Premier League-proven striker who can take the mantle when Isak is sidelined with an injury.

However, Newcastle are not alone in the race to sign Calvert-Lewin, with Manchester United also keen on his signature after missing out on Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres.

The Red Devils are in the market for a new centre-forward, and the 28-year-old is on their shortlist of summer targets.

Leeds United showed interest but quickly realised they could not match his salary demands.

He earned £100,000 weekly at Everton, and the Premier League returnees walked away.

Newcastle would be wise to look elsewhere for a new striker.

On the surface, Calvert-Lewin looks like a good pick-up on a free transfer, but the numbers and track record do not justify the gamble.

This season, Calvert-Lewin scored just three Premier League goals. He missed 16 (!) big chances.

The year before was not much better. He scored seven goals, squandering 16 big chances again.

Those are glaring red flags for a club in the Champions League.

Combine that with his persistent injury problems, and Newcastle could be back in the same situation they had with Wilson.

If Newcastle want to build a forward line to challenge for a top-four slot and withstand the demands of a long season, they need a back-up who scores and stays fit.

Calvert-Lewin is no longer that player. Free transfers are not free if they come at the cost of performance. The Magpies should be aiming higher.