‘West Ham pull the plug on Calvert-Lewin deal – it’s typical of the owners’
West Ham have considered a move to sign Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer, according to their former senior scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that the 28-year-old had been mentioned in conversations behind the scenes.
However, the Hammers have had second thoughts about making an offer amid concerns about the striker’s fitness record and wage demands.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed that Newcastle and Fulham are interested in Calvert-Lewin as he will have options to remain in the Premier League.
The Toffees’ forward is also expected to weigh up offers from abroad as a number of clubs have been in contact with his agent in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider on 29 May that Everton are working on replacing Calvert-Lewin in the transfer market ahead of his impending exit.
West Ham make Calvert-Lewin decision after Newcastle update
Brown told Football Insider in April that Newcastle have had second thoughts about Calvert-Lewin, and the deal has hit a stumbling block amid fitness concerns.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that West Ham have also had second thoughts about the deal and will look elsewhere.
“West Ham have been considering a move for Calvert-Lewin,” he told Football Insider.
“To be honest, it’s typical of the way the owners like to do things.
“He’s a big-name player with a lot of Premier League experience and they won’t have to spend money on a transfer fee to bring him in.
“From what I’m told, though, I wouldn’t expect them to make a move.
“His injury issues are going to be a concern for every interested club, and signing him on a free means his wage demands are going to be high.
“His agent is pushing him to clubs looking to get a good fee, but West Ham won’t want to pay it.
“They can’t point to any evidence over the last two or three years that would suggest he would improve on what they’ve got up front.
“The number of injuries and poor record in front of goal are both going to be concerns.
“So I expect they’ll shift their attentions towards one of their other targets in his position.”
Omari Hutchinson update emerges at the London Stadium
Having decided against a move for Calvert-Lewin, the Hammers are set to assess other areas of their squad and are interested in signing Ipswich star Omari Hutchinson.
Brown told Football Insider on 30 June that West Ham want to sign Hutchinson and had scouts tracking his performances for England Under-21s.
This comes as they are preparing to lose Mohammed Kudus before the transfer window closes, and Hutchinson is viewed as his “ideal” replacement.
Football Insider exclusively revealed in May that Hutchinson has a £35million release clause in his Ipswich contract following their relegation from the Premier League.
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