Frank Lampard makes 'unfortunate' Dominic Calvert-Lewin claim amid Newcastle and Arsenal links

Frank Lampard does not believe Dominic Calvert-Lewin has had his head turned by speculation linking him with Newcastle United and Arsenal this summer. The Toffees striker is coming into the final year of his contract and Everton could cash in on the 25-year-old this summer.

Calvert-Lewin has missed a large chunk of the current season through injury, but Lampard expects him to play a vital part in their remaining games in the Premier League. The Blues are still lodged in a relegation battle, but look to have given themselves some breathing space ahead of their final two games of the season.

There has been question marks raised by onlookers about the England international's attitude, but the Everton boss has been quick to defend his star striker. Lampard told the Mail: "He is a fantastic striker, the pedigree of striker that there aren't many around. It's been unfortunate for me, I think, that I haven't had him fit.

"He's had little moments but we know that strikers - particularly out of any position - need runs of games and fitness and confidence. We've never been able to get that for Dominic to be fair to him.

"But yeah, he's a huge player, they are not very common. He is contracted to us, three years left on his contract, and I want to take this club forward and players like Dominic help that.

"I know he hasn't been playing at the minute because he's been getting fit, but now he's fit, so hopefully he will contribute in the last few games for starters and then he's our player. He's a player that would be wanted by clubs because of the level of player he is.

"There are not many strikers out there, they cost a lot of money. I'm not worried about him at all."