Manchester United held an interest in signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin in January, according to The Athletic, who also claim that the club’s star players would have embraced the signing.
Calvert-Lewin has come alive under both Duncan Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti this season, having struggled for consistency under Marco Silva.
The 22-year old has scored seven goals in the Premier League in ten games since Silva was sacked in December, compared to having scored three in 13 in the early stages of the season (Transfermarkt).
With Marcus Rashford currently on the sidelines for United with a back injury, the Red Devils were keen on signing a striker in January, eventually landing on former Watford forward Odion Ighalo on a short-term loan.
However they had considered Calvert-Lewin at one point, and The Athletic report that United’s players had given their stamp of approval, with several said to have ‘admired’ the England U21s international.
The report claims that, should United have shored up their interest, Everton would have been reluctant to consider selling the forward, with a new contract on the way for the former Sheffield United man.
Read Everton Verdict
Described by Jamie Redknapp as a “nightmare” for defenders (TBR), Calvert-Lewin has earned his plaudits this season, having previously failed to impress. He has even been tipped by some, including Ancelotti, to make the grade as a full England international, such has his form for Everton been impressive (Mail Online).
Redknapp’s praise of Calvert-Lewin is both spot on and a thorough way to describe what he offers Everton. Redknapp said that “you cannot doubt his work rate or desire”, and that he is “strong, physical [and] capable of battling with any defender”, and he’s certainly not wrong.
Handed the Number nine shirt for this season, the forward faced plenty of pressure to step his game up, having only managed six goals in 35 Premier League games last season (Transfermarkt).
Thankfully, Calvert-Lewin has largely managed to shoulder that responsibility, so much so that Everton may not need to invest in a new striker in the summer should he continue at the current level that he’s at.
Either way, Calvert-Lewin should be defended with a similar stance as Richarlison – that he will not be sold under any circumstance, as he is part of the future and a key player for Ancelotti.
