West Ham United want Dominic Calvert-Lewin as Everton striker ideal for Julen Lopetegui
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has emerged as Julen Lopetegui’s “ideal candidate” to lead the line at West Ham, according to Football Transfers.
A report on the outlet’s website (21 June) says the Irons have expressed an interest in signing the 27-year-old striker, while Everton face being forced to make an imminent decision on his future due to only having a year left on his contract.
Losing the England international for nothing would be a “major concern” for the Toffees in light of financial difficulties at the club of late, and now the Hammers, along with Brentford, are looking to sign him.
West Ham are said to be in “dire need” of a reliable striker, while it is also seen as possible that Michail Antonio could be leaving, and while Everton will require a “substantial” offer to let Calvert-Lewin go they are obliged to “carefully consider” any bids that come in for him.
West Ham could lose Michail Antonio in transfer window
On paper Calvert-Lewin would be a very sensible option for the Hammers this summer, whether Antonio stays or goes.
Having failed to replace Gianluca Scamacca a year ago, and with Danny Ings potentially following Divin Mubama out the door this summer [talkSPORT, 29 May] after a dismal scoring record with the club there is already a clear need to add reinforcements up front.
The potential to get a relatively low-cost deal done if Everton are obliged to sell clearly makes the opportunity attractive to potential suitors, although the Toffees have already shown they won’t be pushed around amid Manchester United’s attempts to sign Jarrad Branthwaite [Liverpool Echo, 8 June].
Calvert-Lewin’s injury record in recent seasons is also a concern even if he did bounce back somewhat under Sean Dyche last term, where he scored nine times in all competitions.
He has a similar profile to another Irons target in fellow England international Tammy Abraham, as the Roma forward also has injury concerns and an inconsistent scoring record.
When both are at their best it is arguably the Goodison Park star who is the more complete player, but whether Lopetegui and Tim Steidten are willing to put enough money on the table to convince his club to let him go remains to be seen.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are now in ongoing transfer talks for another player who is “strongly wanted” by the new manager this summer.
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