Keith Downie: Rafa Benitez desperate to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin back-up at Everton
Rafa Benitez is determined to sign a new striker for Everton this summer to play backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to Keith Downie.
The Sky Sports journalist and presenter, appearing on ‘The Transfer Show’ on Friday evening, made the claim after colleague Kaveh Solhekol broke the news that Everton had made an approach to sign Celtic centre-forward Odsonne Edouard.
In a video posted on the Sky Sports Twitter account, Downie said: “I’m almost certain that when he [Edouard] was at Celtic, Rafa had a look at him for Newcastle, and I know for a fact that Rafa’s really keen to have a back-up striker for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, so that would make sense.”
Vital
Everton surely can’t be expected to last the duration of the season with just Calvert-Lewin up front.
That’s a lot of responsibility on the England international, and it requires him to stay fit for the entire season.
He was available for most games last season but was hampered briefly by injury during the winter period, forcing Everton to field Richarlison centrally.
Moise Kean and Cenk Tosun are still contracted to the club but both look certain to move on this summer, or in Tosun’s case, he might well be left to rot in the reserves if there are no takers for him.
If the Blues have any designs on maintaining a top-10 finish or improving upon last season’s standing, a new striker has to be a priority.
In other Everton news, the Blues are confident of signing this record-breaking striker amid an approach to his Saudi-owned club.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.