West Ham United have made an enquiry about the potential signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Everton this summer, according to Football Insider sources. 

The Hammers have been pushing in the market for a striker in recent weeks, as Julen Lopetegui looks to provide Michail Antonio and Danny Ings with some extra support. The clubs main target seems to be Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, however, the Villain’s are refusing to accept the clubs £35m offer for the Colombian.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be a cheaper alternative to Duran. The 27-year-old is undoubtedly a Premier League proven striker, he has scored 54 goals in 213 Premier League appearances. However, his consistent injury problems have let to a bit of a stand still in his career. A few years ago he was linked to big moves, after scoring 16 goals in 33 appearances in 2020/21. However, in the three seasons since, he has only managed to score 14 in 66 appearances for the Toffee’s.

In some ways, Calvert-Lewin is the type of forward many West Ham fans would have expected new manager Julen Lopetegui to chase. His height, physicality and heading ability make him very similar to long-term West Ham target Youssef En-Nesyri who worked very well under the Spaniard at Sevilla.

However, there is one big difference between the two forwards, injury issues. Both aged 27, En-Nesyri has missed just 29 games of football through injury in his career, while Calvert-Lewin has missed a huge 97 in his career. While Michail Antonio’s injury record has improved massively over the past couple of years, the Hammers need someone that is always available to step in or take over due to his recent lack of consistent form as the clubs number nine.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has failed to agree to new terms on a contract at Goodison Park, his current deal expires in 2025. Therefore, Everton may look to cash in on the target man this summer, to stop him from leaving on a free transfer next summer. This means he could be available for a cut-price fee. Newcastle are also said to be interested in the striker, however they are unlikely to make a move unless Callum Wilson leaves the club.

Many fans of West Ham United will believe there are a lot of better and more optimistic options for the striker position this summer, including players like Samu Omorodion and Ivan Toney who both remain targets for Lopetegui and Tim Steidten.