Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on Everton and England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a long-term replacement for Edinson Cavani.
According to a report from The Sun, Manchester United are keen on signing Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the ongoing transfer window as they look for a long-term replacement for veteran forward Edinson Cavani.
Calvert-Lewin, a product of the Everton youth academy, has grown into an integral first-team player for the Toffees in recent seasons. The 24-year-old particularly polished his game over the past eighteen months or so under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti and Duncan Ferguson. Indeed, the striker enjoyed his career-best campaign in 2020/21, plundering 21 goals and setting up four more in 39 appearances across all competitions.
This kind of goal output has helped Calvert-Lewin earn a spot in the England squad for the ongoing UEFA Euro 2020 while he has now emerged as a transfer target for some of the top-tier clubs in England and Europe, with the likes of Arsenal as well as Real Madrid showing an interest in him. And now, Manchester United have also thrown their hat in the ring for the signing of the Everton forward.
Manchester United have made a good start to the summer transfer window, securing the signing of long-term transfer target Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund. There has been an addition to the goalkeeping department as well, with ex-academy man Tom Heaton returning to the club on a free transfer. But the transfer business is far from done at Old Trafford, with reinforcements still being sought in multiple areas.
One position where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now looking to strengthen is the centre-forward slot. Manchester United, as things stand, have Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford as their options for the No. 9 role. However, Cavani is 34 years old and will see his contract run out in a year, whereas Rashford has found his home on the left wing.
With Greenwood still learning the ropes and Martial’s future uncertain after an underwhelming campaign, it makes sense for Manchester United to eye a move for a centre-forward this summer. The names of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland have been mentioned quite frequently, but considering that the Red Devils have already made a huge outlay on Sancho, funding a move for the aforementioned duo could prove difficult.
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Calvert-Lewin could be a more affordable option for Manchester United. However, they will have to stave off competition from Real Madrid, who have been linked with a move for him, following the appointment of Ancelotti as their new manager. The Merengues need to put a succession plan in place for Karim Benzema as the Frenchman enters the final phase of his career, while both Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz have no future at the club.
Calvert-Lewin, to that end, would make a fine addition for Real Madrid, much like he would for Manchester United. So, an interesting battle could be on the cards for the Everton and England forward, and it remains to be seen who comes out on top in the race to sign him up.
