Windass believes Everton could only sign Dike if Calvert-Lewin leaves
Former Premier League striker Dean Windass believes Everton would only sign reported target Daryl Dike this summer if Dominic Calvert-Lewin were to leave.
TEAMtalk revealed late last month that the United States international had caught Everton’s attention, having found himself in fine form for Barrenly this season.
The 20-year old joined the Tykes from Orlando City on February 1, and he has scored seven goals in 13 Championship appearances so far since securing the loan switch.
TEAMtalk’s report from March explained that Dike is almost certain to remain in England beyond his loan spell, with Everton taking the most interest in his progress.
Talking exclusively to Transfer Tavern however, Windass believes Calvert-Lewin would need to leave for Dike to move to Goodison Park.
Windass said: “He’s [Dike] going well, and speaking to Mark Crossley, one of my ex-teammates, he said they’re [Barnsley] very direct and play to the boy’s strengths.
“I can see him at Everton, I can’t see him at Leeds. I can only see it at Everton if Calvert-Lewin isn’t there.
“The boy from Barnsley, is it too big of a step at this present time? So Everton I can see, if Calvert-Lewin goes.”
Not sure about that
Calvert-Lewin has enjoyed his best season in an Everton shirt under Ancelotti, and with the Italian aiming to break the club into the Champions League it would take a truly monstrous effort for the Blues to let him leave.
With that in mind it isn’t hard to imagine Everton adding Dike to their squad anyway, particularly if Josh King’s contract isn’t renewed at the end of the season, which very much appears to be a possibility unless he shines over the coming months.
Calvert-Lewin can’t do it all by himself, he needs someone who can both support him and challenge him, and Dike is the sort of young, hungry and talented player who could do just that.
Barnsley have a £17million permanent clause in Dike’s loan agreement, and while they aren’t likely to pay that unless they can win promotion via the play-offs, Everton could afford to pay that fee.
Ultimately it remains to be seen whether the Toffees decide to firm up interest or whether they look to Europe for reinforcements, but we certainly don’t feel that Calvert-Lewin’s future will have any bearing on Dike’s possible future as an Everton player.
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