The £35m striker top of Newcastle United’s transfer list to replace Chris Wood

Newcastle United have reportedly put Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin ‘at the top of their list’ to replace Chris Wood.

The New Zealand international brought an end to his one-year stay on Tyneside when he completed a loan move to Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest on Friday afternoon. That deal will be converted into a £15m permanent switch at the end of the season if certain triggers in the agreement are met.

Speaking after the deal was confirmed, Magpies manager Eddie Howe looked to the future and a possible replacement for Wood, saying: “I don’t think we will replace Chris with another Chris if that makes sense. That type of player I don’t think is in the market. He was what we needed at this time last year. He was a focal point for us and enabled us to play in a way to take the pressure off players. We aren’t necessarily looking for that type of player but we will see what we can do.”

A number of possible replacements have already been linked with a move to St James Park, with The Sun suggesting £35m-rated England star Calvert-Lewin has been made a priority by the United hierarchy. Initially linked with a move to Tyneside during the summer, the 25-year-old is said to be a long-term target for the Magpies, despite struggling with injury and form during the current season.

A knee injury has limited Calvert-Lewin just ten appearances in all competitions and his only goal of the campaign came in a 3-0 home win against Crystal Palace in October. Despite his lack of game-time and his own side’s struggles, the striker remains a key player for Frank Lampard, who is said to have told the Toffees board they must retain the services of Calvert-Lewin and former Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford if they are to mount a successful battle against relegation.

However, the report has stated Newcastle believe the striker can ‘take them to the next level’, with a source saying: “Calvert-Lewin is at right at the top of the list of targets Newcastle have. They were interested in him last summer, and that interest remains. They think he could be a striker that could help take them to the next level both in the league, and in Europe.”