Newcastle plan a surprise move for Everton’s star after learning of the ‘focussed’ £70 million player’s desire to go.

According to rumors, Newcastle United are interested in signing Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande.

Eddie Howe is thought to be prioritizing the acquisition of a new central midfielder, but he would also like to bring in a central defender and a forward if his January transfer window budget allows.

As they attempt to stretch their financial might in the transfer market, the Magpies are struggling to keep inside financial fair play restrictions.

The Premier League club has made numerous high-profile acquisitions after being purchased by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in October 2021, including Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad and Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.

Despite rumors of a ‘Newcastle tax’ when they come forward to buy players, they have not overspent on players.

Fortunately for Howe, the effort done during the PIF’s early years has dispelled rumors of overpayment.

In terms of central midfielders, Newcastle has been heavily associated with ex-Wolves captain Ruben Neves, who left Molineux in the summer to join Al Hilal.

They are also thought to be interested in Manchester City benchwarmer Kalvin Phillips, with Tonali suspended until next season.

Aside from that, it has been stated that Howe is trying to strengthen his assault by bringing in Everton’s Calvert-Lewin.

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are monitoring his situation at Goodison Park, with Howe’seriously evaluating the notion of signing a forward on loan in January’.

While a loan deal is possible, the Magpies are expected to recruit a new forward on a permanent basis at the end of the season, according to the source.

Calvert-Lewin is expected to be a summer target, and the club has confirmed that he is on their ‘radar’.

There is a ‘strong likelihood’ Howe would buy a new attacking player in the winter transfer window, with PSG’s Hugo Ekitike – who Newcastle failed to sign last summer – a ‘real target’.

Newcastle has also been ‘following’ Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is likely to cost close to £100 million and has piqued the interest of Manchester United and Manchester City.

Furthermore, the Serie A champions are thought to be anxious to sign ‘Kvaradona’ to a new contract, despite the fact that his present term expires in 2027.

Newcastle are also interested in signing Sporting defender Diomande, as mentioned in the first paragraph.

According to the Portuguese publication A Bola (via Sport Witness), Diomande’s signing is not expected in January, as the Ivorian is ‘bent’ on finishing the season in Lisbon.

Sporting are unlikely to listen to any offers during the season as they chase the league title, however the 19-year-old’s contract has a €80 million (£69.6 million) release clause.