Exclusive: AC Milan prepare big effort to beat Newcastle & West Ham to forward transfer | OneFootball

AC Milan are prepared to make a big effort to try to win the race for the transfer of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with Newcastle and West Ham also interested.

Sources close to the situation have informed CaughtOffside that Calvert-Lewin is attracting plenty of interest this January, with clubs monitoring the 27-year-old as he edges closer to becoming a free agent.

Calvert-Lewin could still be open to staying at Everton, but rejected their most recent contract offer, so Milan are hoping to be able to take advantage of the fact that they can begin talks with him this month.

Players in the final six months of their contracts can start negotiating moves abroad for next season now, putting Newcastle and West Ham at a slight disadvantage.

Where next for Dominic Calvert-Lewin as transfer suitors line up?

Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action for Everton (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Still, Newcastle and West Ham have also shown a strong interest in Calvert-Lewin, having both had contacts with the Toffees front-man over the summer, even if a deal couldn’t materialise at the time.

Both the Magpies and the Hammers could surely do well to strengthen up front with a proven Premier League player like this, and he might find he gets more playing time at those clubs than he does at the San Siro.

Still, Milan’s interest is genuine and strong, and they’re hoping to steal a march on their rivals in the race for Calvert-Lewin this January.

CaughtOffside understands that Calvert-Lewin himself is not in a particular hurry to decide his future now, so that could in theory allow the likes of Newcastle and West Ham back into it by the time the summer comes around.

And, as stated previously, a new deal with Everton also can’t be entirely ruled out just yet, though it remains to be seen if the Merseyside outfit can come up with a good enough offer.