Newcastle United are reportedly set to have a free run at Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as fellow suitors Arsenal prioritise a deal for Gabriel Jesus.

What's the word?

That's according to Football Insider, who claim that the Magpies have been 'given new encouragement' regarding a deal for the England international, with their main competitors - the Gunners - focusing on their bid to sign the Brazilian Manchester City ace.

The report suggests that talks have been held between the St James' Park outfit and the 25-year-old's representatives, while the Merseysiders are seemingly open to a sale as they look to begin a much-needed squad rebuild under Frank Lampard ahead of next season.

While previous rumours have suggested that it could take as much as £70m to prize Calvert-Lewin from Goodison Park, the report outlines that a £45m offer would likely be accepted.

Better than Ekitike

A new centre-forward addition appears high on the agenda for Eddie Howe and co this summer, with one - or even perhaps two - new faces set to walk through the door, with Reims teenager Hugo Ekitike another name who could be on his way to Tyneside.

Although both could be added to the former Bournemouth managers' squad ahead of next term, should it become a case of one or the other it would be wise for PIF to favour the more senior forward, with the £37.8m-rated marksman having shone for the Toffees in recent seasons.

Despite a gruelling, injury-hit 2021/22 campaign, the £72k-per-week striker had previously been a lethal presence for his current club, netting 29 Premier League goals in just two seasons under Carlo Ancelotti.

Having been less than prolific prior to the Italian's appointment, even the serial-winning coach was forced to admit his "surprise" at the flurry of goals from the 11-cap international, as the former Sheffield United man eventually blossomed into a key player for the now Real Madrid boss.

Ekitike, by contrast, has caught the eye for his form in the most recent campaign after netting ten Ligue 1 goals, although is still raw in terms of top-flight experience, with it set to be a real gamble to fork out the reported £38m fee on a player who has never played in England.

Not that Calvert-Lewin is simply just a safe pair of hands, having showcased his lethal finishing prowess in recent years, leaving that man Ancelotti to dub him "cold" for his unerring composure in front of goal.

Having also been compared to Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo by former Everton assistant Davide Ancelotti - Carlo's son - Howe and co are seemingly set to have a real genuine talent on their hands should they progress their interest.

Ekitike remains something of an unknown quantity, while Calvert-Lewin is the real deal.

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