Everton manager Frank Lampard will be “imploring” the club’s board to try and keep striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the club this summer.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the Toffees’ potential summer business during the remainder of the transfer window.
Everton have signed three players so far this summer, with the additions of James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil from Burnley, whilst left wing-back Rúben Vinagre has signed on loan from Sporting Lisbon.
However, the club have also lost six players from the side this season, with the highest profile being the departure of last season’s top scorer Richarlison to fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £60m.
Therefore, Lampard will not want to lose the services of Calvert-Lewin this summer, but Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that Newcastle United think that the 11-time England international is the man to lead their attack this season.
The Merseyside club reportedly value their centre-forward at £60m, and O’Rourke believes that Lampard will be desperate for the board not to fold to Newcastle’s pressure, so he can have the England striker lead the club’s line next season.
“I’m sure Lampard will be keen to have a fit and firing Calvert-Lewin in his side this season, because he was badly missed when he was injured last season.
“I think Frank Lampard will be imploring the club’s board to keep hold of Calvert-Lewin because he’ll be looking to build this forward line around him.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments
We believe that Everton fans will be wary of Newcastle’s interest, but will be happy to see that their manager has acknowledged the importance of Calvert-Lewin to the team.
During the 2020/21 season (the last time the striker was fit for the majority of a campaign), he notched 21 goals and provided five assists in 39 appearances for the Toffees according to Transfermarkt, suggesting that he is an incredibly important part of how productive Everton’s attacking front line can be.
We believe that Everton need to do everything in their power to keep Calvert-Lewin at the club this season, otherwise they could potentially be facing another difficult campaign.