Frank McAvennie says Newcastle shouldn’t sign Calvert-Lewin

Newcastle United are expected to sign a striker this summer as Callum Wilson has struggled with injuries (missing 60% of games), Chris Wood has struggled for goals (two goals in 16 games) and Dwight Gayle has struggled for playing time (30 mins of PL football).

Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is one many strikers on their wishlist, but Frank McAvennie doesn’t believe they should sign him due to his own injury problems.

The 25-year-old has made only 14 Premier League appearances from a possible 35, scoring just three goals. He’s been short of playing time due to a fractured toe which kept him out of action between September and December 2021.

Calvert-Lewin scored 13 goals from 36 Premier League games in 2019/20 and scored 16 goals from 33 league outings in 2020/21, but he’s no longer holding down a regular starting place and hasn’t scored since August.

The England international finds himself behind Richarlison in the pecking order and McAvennie says Newcastle should avoid him. He told Football Insider: “He can’t stay fit for whatever reason and he hasn’t scored since August. That’s not good enough.

“Newcastle have all this money and Everton know that. So whatever Everton demand, it will be too much for what they are buying. I think if they spend that amount of money, £35million, £40milion, you want guaranteed goals and I don’t think Calvert-Lewin gives you that.

“Newcastle already have a striker who is injury-prone in Callum Wilson, they don’t need another one. If they both got injured then you are left back with Chris Wood which is exactly what Eddie Howe wants to avoid.”

Calvert-Lewin would have looked a good signing last summer after bagging 29 goals in his last 65 league games, but clubs might stay away from him now.