Dominic Calvert-Lewin announces 'incredibly difficult' Everton exit as West Ham circle | OneFootball

Hammers want to bolster their options up front

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has confirmed that he will depart Everton as a free agent this summer, with West Ham United interested in the striker.

He played 26 times in the Premier League last season, netting just three times. In a nine-year stint on Merseyside, he has played 273 games, scoring 71 goals.

In a post on his Instagram account, Calvert-Lewin, who joined the Toffees from Sheffield United for £1.5million back in 2016, announced that he would be finding himself a new club in this transfer window.

"After nine remarkable years I've made the incredibly difficult decision - together with my family - to begin a new chapter in my career," the striker wrote.

"This isn't something I chose lightly. Everton has been my home since I was 19 years old. It's the place that saw potential in me, challenged me to grow and shaped me both as a footballer and as a man.

"I want to express my gratitude to all the managers and coaches I've worked with over the years and to my team-mates who have become life-long friends."

Calvert-Lewin’s decision could come as good news for West Ham, who are reported to hold an interest in the striker.

According to FootballTransfers, the Hammers made an approach to the 28-year-old a fortnight ago, with the future of their striking options Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio up in the air, while Evan Ferguson has returned to Brighton after a less than fruitful loan spell.

Calvert-Lewin earned £100,000 per week at Everton, and the report claims that the Hammers would be willing to improve his pay packet should he make the switch to east London on a free transfer.