Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe is likely to have Everton frontman Dominic Calvert-Lewin high on his list of transfer targets but he might find it 'difficult' to lure him to St James' Park amid additional interest from Arsenal, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.
Having been appointed as the Magpies' head coach in November, with them deep in relegation trouble, Howe led the Tyneside giants to an 11th place finish in the Premier League and he could look to strengthen his squad in the summer window.
What's the latest news involving Calvert-Lewin?
Calvert-Lewin may have grabbed an assist as Everton completed the campaign with a resounding defeat at Arsenal, but that may turn out to be his final appearance for his current employers.
That is because the Toffees are understood to be ready to cash-in on the 25-year-old, putting Arsenal and West Ham United on red alert.
However, the London rivals could be frustrated in their efforts to sign Calvert-Lewin as, according to the Telegraph, Newcastle are plotting a move.
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 swapping Goodison Park for St James' Park.
Despite being willing to offload the centre forward, Everton will still be in the driving seat if Newcastle or other suitors look to test their resolve as Calvert-Lewin's £72,000-per-week contract has more than three years left to run.
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What has Alex Crook said about Calvert-Lewin?
Crook believes Howe may have his work cut out as he attempts to lure Calvert-Lewin to Newcastle.
The talkSPORT reporter understands Arsenal remain in the hunt for the Everton man after previously looking likely to sign him.
When asked whether Calvert-Lewin will be high on Howe's list of transfer targets, Crook told GIVEMESPORT: "Yes, I can see that. The problem he's got is that the goals dried up a bit, obviously, since he's been injured for large spells of the season.
"I think the loss to Brentford was the first time he scored from open play in the Premier League since August and I think he was a shoo-in to go to Arsenal until that happened. I think they are still keen.
"It might be difficult for Newcastle, if Arsenal were to offer him a deal, to compete with that."
Why is Calvert-Lewin of interest to Newcastle?
With Newcastle being the richest club in world football, thanks to the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund completing a £305million takeover in October, Howe and the hierarchy will be looking to eventually tempt leading stars to Tyneside.
It is clear that former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti feels Calvert-Lewin is one of the best frontmen in the business, with him describing the England man as a 'top striker'.
Calvert-Lewin has found the back of the net 66 times over the course of his senior club career, so it is clear he would add further firepower to the Magpies' ranks as Howe aims to take them to the next level.