Injury-plagued Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has emerged as a surprise target for Newcastle.
talkSPORT understands Eddie Howe is a long-term admirer of Calvert-Lewin and tried to sign him two summers ago.
Calvert-Lewin is into the final year of his Everton contract and Newcastle believe he could be available for a minimal fee.
Newcastle are required to sell before they can add any reinforcements to their squad this summer and despite the striker’s contract edging closer to its expiration date, Everton are not expected to let Calvert-Lewin leave cheaply.
Howe has sounded out the Everton hitman in preparation for the departure of Callum Wilson who is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia.
Calvert-Lewin would therefore be a straight replacement for the 32-year-old who only signed a new deal at St James’ Park last September.
Despite enduring a frustrating season with injury, Calvert-Lewin featured 38 times for the Toffees.
Howe will be confident he can help take the striker’s game to the next level and improve upon his seven league goals this season.
Meanwhile, the Newcastle boss retains an interest in Arsenal’s out-of-favour goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale while Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili is another option between the posts.
The Magpies are currently on an end-of-season tour of Australia before a host of star’s prepare for Euro 2024 and Copa America duty this summer.
Callum Wilson is in line for a St James’ Park exit this summer with Saudi club’s interested[/caption]
Newcastle overcame Tottenham on penalties in a friendly match in Melbourne on Tuesday and face an A-League All Stars team on Friday morning, UK time.
However, Howe’s men will have one eye on this weekend’s FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City which could see them qualify for Europe for a second-consecutive season.
If Manchester City retain the FA Cup on Saturday, the Magpies will be assured of a spot in next season’s Europa Conference League thanks to their seventh-placed league finish.
But a win for Erik ten Hag’s side would see Newcastle miss out on Europe altogether, at the expense of the Red Devils.