Pundit Tony Cottee has told Everton that they simply can’t afford to sell Dominic Calvert-Lewin at any price in January.
Cottee was speaking on talkSPORT this morning and was outlining how crucial Calvert-Lewin was for Everton.
The pundit was discussing just how many clubs need a striker in the coming months, but he said the 26-year-old shouldn’t be for sale.
Cottee admitted that the summer may be a much more amicable time for a departure, but a January move could jeopardise the club.
He said (1/11, 8:45am): “I was at the game on Sunday, fantastic goal, lovely touch.
“You don’t get much time in the box, you’ve got to create the space sometimes, it’s just a little bit of movement, little bit of skill.
“I thought it was a fabulous goal, I really did, he makes such a difference. He leads the line for that Everton team and with that potential 12-point deduction coming as well, they’re going to need these goals to stay in the Premier League.
“So I think Everton have got to keep him at the football club, they cannot allow him to leave in January. All right, end of the season is a bit different and you can talk things through sensibly, but no rash decision.”
Cottee thinks Calvert-Lewin is indispensable for Everton
Of course, there’s probably very few at Everton that will think that the club has plans to sell Calvert-Lewin.
Beto has been a stellar addition to the squad, but does just seem back up to their leading man.
Youssef Chermiti is considered to have potential, but he’s not making an impact right now.
Sean Dyche finally has a balanced striking department at Everton, albeit one that still hinges on Calvert-Lewin’s fitness.
But those at Everton may be surprised that Cottee is even concerned about the prospect of Calvert-Lewin leaving.
Talk of clubs being interested has settled down over recent years, largely because of the injuries the striker has suffered.
And even with him getting close to full fitness now, the club must consider him completely unavailable to any suitors.
Another player who is now proving indispensable for Everton is Jarrad Branthwaite.
The 21-year-old has been receiving so much praise, and could be a fixture in this Everton team for some time.