Craig Hope issues update on Newcastle’s interest in Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Journalist Craig Hope has claimed that he would ‘be surprised’ if Newcastle were to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin after news broke that they were taking a close look at him.

With just one year left on Callum Wilson’s contract this will likely be the last window for Newcastle to make any money back on him given his age and injuring record.

Selling him would leave Eddie Howe with just one recognised striker in Alexander Isak, and that’s exactly why they are monitoring the market for a forward who is talented enough to make an impact but wouldn’t be demanding first-team football every week.

It was reported in the last week or so that Calvert-Lewin’s name was coming up in conversations, but while Hope acknowledged that Newcastle appreciate him, he doesn’t think it’s a priority.

For Howe, he is focusing on improving other areas of the squad first and foremost and may actually looking to keep Wilson on for another year to avoid paying a substantial fee for a backup striker.

When asked on Sky Sports if he thinks Newcastle will sign Calvert-Lewin, Hope said:

“I’d be surprised. Eddie Howe does like Calvert-Lewin. They have enquired about him before in previous windows. This story dropped last week. My information then was ‘yes he’s on a list, but he’s not top of that list and it wouldn’t be a priority’.

“My latest information was that they are looking elsewhere for now.

“I think Eddie Howe’s preference is to try and keep Callum Wilson this summer.”