Everton are set to face a battle to keep star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the club over the coming months after Newcastle United reportedly joined the race for his signature.

What's the story?

The Magpies have joined football's financial elite after their Saudi-backed takeover was eventually ratified by the Premier League, and Calvert-Lewin is believed to be high up on their wish list, according to The Telegraph.

"Dominic Calvert-Lewin is on the list of Newcastle United’s potential targets under their new Saudi Arabian ownership. The Everton striker, 24, is being monitored by several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, whose new wealth from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) will make them major players in future windows," the report states.

"Calvert-Lewin is highly regarded by the current recruitment team at Newcastle and would be expected to remain a player of interest even with a potential change of technical staff behind the scenes as PIF start their new era at the club."

Previous speculation claimed both Arsenal and Real Madrid are also interested in securing the 24-year-old's services, meaning a bidding war could be on the cards either in January or the following summer.

Everton fans will be concerned

The £40.5m-rated forward only signed a new five-year contract with the Merseyside outfit in March 2020, but the club's supporters will still be concerned over their talisman's future.

Spearheading the attack for a new superpower such as Newcastle could be a very attractive proposition for Calvert-Lewin, and he may be tempted to depart the Blues in search of pastures new should an acceptable offer come in.

His exit would be a major blow to any ambitions new manager Rafa Benitez has, given his importance to the side, and replacing his work ethic and goal contribution would be far from an easy task for the Spanish tactician.

Over the last couple of campaigns, Calvert-Lewin has become a key figure to Everton, scoring 39 goals in 83 appearances in all competitions since the beginning of 2019/20, more than any of his teammates.

As a result, the continued speculation regarding the England international's potential departure will be of growing concern to everyone associated with Everton, and the club's chiefs, manager and fans alike will be hoping he stays loyal for the foreseeable future.

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