Everton would find it “very difficult” to turn down a £20million offer for Dominic Calvet-Lewin ahead of the transfer deadline, according to Joe Thomas.
The England international is entering the final year of his contract at Goodison Park, has been linked with a move away from Merseyside this summer as no agreement has yet been reached over a new contract.
Although some have deemed the Blues’ asking price for the forward too high, Liverpool Echo journalist Thomas believes Sean Dyche’s side would have to listen to offers having become “stuck” this summer.
Speaking on the Royal Blue YouTube channel (29 July, 58:30) he said: “I think Everton are just a little bit stuck.
“They’ve already gone through the Calvert-Lewin situation feels like a bit of an unavoidable situation. His situation depends on whether someone is willing to come in for him and what they’re willing to offer for him I think.
“The longer he goes on without signing a deal, the less tenable his position may become.
“If someone like West Ham who are interested were to come in and put £20million on the table, especially bearing in mind how much they picked him up for and how long ago that was.
“The value of that deal to the club from a PSR perspective and a wider financial perspective would be very difficult to turn down.”
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Calvert-Lewin has been incredibly important to Dyche’s success at Goodison Park, but with only a year left on his contract and no extension close, Everton have found themselves in a position where they are completely backed into a corner.
There is an argument to suggest the Blues should attempt to get value out of the Englishman on the field, rather than accept a cut-price fee for his services, but as Thomas suggested his position may become untenable.
Whether or not any club would be willing to stump up a £20million fee for the striker’s services remains to be seen, but if they did, it feels as though Dyche’s side would simply have to cash in and balance the books.
In the grand scheme of things, that £20million could mean Jarrad Branthwaite doesn’t have to be sold for another transfer window or even ensure that the Blues avoid another point deduction.
It will be interesting to see how this pans out for the remainder of the summer window.
