Exclusive: Newcastle plan move for ‘ideal Callum Wilson successor’

Senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast that Newcastle United plan to wait until the end of the season to pursue 27-year-old Dominic Calvert-Lewin rather than making a January move.

Everton are reluctant to lose their first-choice striker mid-season and have set a £15 million price tag for his early departure, which has deterred Newcastle from acting now.

Calvert-Lewin is viewed as an ideal replacement for Callum Wilson, whose contract expires in June, with no plans for renewal due to concerns over his fitness record, as revealed by former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown on December 22.

Newcastle had previously failed to sign Calvert-Lewin in the summer after being unable to clear squad space, as reported by Football Insider in July.

Everton had been eager to secure the striker with a new contract at Goodison Park, but Calvert-Lewin has rejected all offers, increasing speculation about a free transfer at the end of the season.

Foreign clubs are monitoring the situation closely and could make a pre-contract offer, but Newcastle remain hopeful of convincing Calvert-Lewin to join St James’ Park instead.

Despite scoring only two goals in 20 appearances this season, the forward remains a critical figure in Everton’s fight against relegation.

The club is determined to keep him until the end of the season and will not allow him to leave for a reduced fee in January.

Calvert-Lewin’s potential move to Newcastle is seen as a strategic replacement for Wilson and part of the Magpies’ long-term squad planning.

With his future uncertain and interest from both domestic and international clubs, the striker’s situation will likely be a key storyline leading up to the summer transfer window.