Newcastle could be 'front of the queue' to sign 65-goal star at St James' Park

Newcastle United are interested in sealing a deal which would take Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to St James’ Park, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe will have a budget of less than £90million when the transfer window reopens next month, but it seems he is intending to spend a sizeable chunk on securing Calvert-Lewin’s services.

According to the Telegraph, Newcastle are plotting a bold move for Calvert-Lewin as Howe looks to bolster his options at the top end of the pitch.

The report suggests the Magpies have made the 11-cap England international a priority target and have been encouraged to believe Calvert-Lewin would be open to joining ahead of next season.

Newcastle’s pursuit has also been boosted by the fact that it is understood that Everton are ready to cash-in on the striker.

That is despite Calvert-Lewin’s £72,000-per-week Goodison Park contract still having more than three years remaining.

Everton’s stance means Newcastle are not the only Premier League side mulling over whether to make a move as Arsenal and West Ham United have joined the race for the 25-year-old’s signature.

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O’Rourke understands Newcastle are among Calvert-Lewin’s suitors ahead of the summer transfer window.

The journalist feels the Magpies will be one of the frontrunners if Everton are relegated to the Championship.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “With Calvert-Lewin, there is interest there from Newcastle in the Everton forward.

“A lot will depend on Everton’s Premier League future. If they went down, I’m sure he will leave the club in the summer and Newcastle would be right at the front of the queue to try and sign him