Everton star snubbed latest attempt to open contract talks - report

Everton attempted to open contract discussions with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in September but he wasn’t interested, according to Mark Douglas.

The i News journalist reported via the outlet’s website on 4 October that the Toffees made overtures to the striker about discussing his contract, which is set to expire at the end of the season, but “there was little enthusiasm from the player for the conversation right now”.

The Athletic had reported on 3 September the club was “likely” to renew attempts to re-sign him, but that has reportedly not been successful.

Calvert-Lewin, 27, is said to know he won’t be short of options as a free agent after an offer from Newcastle during the summer and interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan.

So while Douglas calls it an “understandable” position for the forward to take it could put the club in a “difficult spot” come the January transfer window.

Newcastle bid for Everton striker in the summer

If Calvert-Lewin didn’t want to sign a new deal throughout the window when an offer was believed to have been put on the table then there is little that has happened on the pitch since that would change that.

Fans might justifiably point to the fact that the striker has played a part in the Toffees’ poor results so far this season, but he could probably argue he is still one of Everton’s best players.

The uncertainty around the ownership situation was said to be responsible for his lack of interest in extending his terms previously, after The Friedkin Group abandoned their bid in the summer [Paul Joyce, 19 July].

So with the Americans back in the picture and a deal now announced he may be waiting on the buy out going through before committing, which could come before Christmas [Giulia Bould, 26 September].

Main backup Beto has struggled for consistency in his year and a bit at Goodison Park despite positive signs at times so losing Calvert-Lewin any time soon would be a blow.

The England international departing for nothing may not be the financial hammer blow it would have been previously now that TFG are on the way in, but from a PSR perspective it would still be far from ideal.

Two goals and an assist from six games this term might have contributed to two crucial wins had two-goal leads not been thrown away against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, although a glaring miss in the latter also stood out.

Calvert-Lewin is arguably more important to Everton than the club is to him as things stand, but the fact he wasn’t bought in the summer shows interested clubs aren’t entirely sold on him either, so an uneasy truce continues.

In other Everton news, the Toffees have shelved behind-the-scenes plans with Dele Alli after the latest set back.

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