Everton will be hoping that Dominic Calvert-Lewin sticks around for at least another year, despite worries over his expiring contract.
Having Beto and Youssef Chermiti last summer, neither has managed to usurp the Englishman despite his struggles with injury and form.
He enjoyed purple patches and endured one desperately significantly barren run in the Premier League last season, but ultimately finished in fine form.
So, attention has turned to Calvert-Lewin’s contract situation, and pressure is mounting.
However, his latest comments don’t sound like someone desperate to depart though…
What Dominic Calvert-Lewin said about Everton
Having spoken in the Toffees’ match-day programme ahead of their final home game of the season, the 27-year-old striker saw his comments relayed by the club on their official website earlier this week.
And whilst he focused on the legendary Tim Cahill, Dominic Calvert-Lewin outlined his Everton ambitions, which all seemed to suggest that he wants to stay and forge a legacy at the club.
He claimed: ‘It is something I’ve been aware of more recently. I didn’t know exactly the numbers but I’m aware of it and I know that if I keep scoring goals I’ll surpass who is in front of me. You look at the next person on that list – Tim Cahill, an Everton icon, maybe an Everton legend to some… In my mind, if I can surpass someone like that, I’m on the right track.
‘For me, I know that if I’m at the top of my game consistently, I don’t believe there are many better than me in the Premier League, so that’s what I’m focused on – consistently performing well and affecting games, contributing to winning games.’
He also added: ‘People talk about the importance of embodying the spirit of the Club and I feel like, naturally, I have done that over the years – knowing how much it means to people. I understand it.
‘Honestly, in the toughest moments, I’ve looked at the Gwladys Street and I’ve been criticised and you feel the rage but then, on the other side of it, I’ve seen the pure elation it brings – people who have worked hard all week to come and watch us play, to hopefully watch me score goals. That’s huge.’
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a unique striker perfect for Sean Dyche
Although Newcastle United have been linked with the forward of late, it would feel strange to see the former Sheffield United starlet shining for anyone other than Everton.
Not only due to the connection he has forged with this fanbase, but also because of his play style.
It is unique and a little old-school, in a time when smaller forwards with great link-up play are being prioritised.
Whilst Erling Haaland is threatening to bring the traditional number nine back into relevancy, he plays nothing like Calvert-Lewin, who has to fight for every header and retain remarkable hold-up play.
Few in the Premier League play like Sean Dyche’s Everton, who rely on his unbridled physicality to get them through matches.
To see him go elsewhere would be a huge risk for his career, where his strengths might be negated by these modern-day trends.