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Despite his impressive display last weekend, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag decided to bench Rasmus Hojlund for Thursday’s Europa League game against Fenerbahce, opting to start Joshua Zirkzee instead.
And the Netherlands international looked completely devoid of confidence and at one point, invited the ire of his wingers for his slow and laborious style of play.
Since his debut goal, the former Bologna ace has kept missing big chances and is struggling to adapt to his new home, with plenty of rumours doing the rounds of an impending exit back to Italy with Juventus eyeing his signature.
If Zirkzee does depart, United will need a replacement as they do not want to overburden their Danish hitman like last season and a Premier League striker could be one of the solutions.
Striker needed
As per Turkish outlet Fotomac, Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton, whose contract with the Toffees ends at the end of the season, is a target for Besiktas.
Injury problems have held back the Englishman in recent years and a change of scenery could do him a world of good with Besiktas offering the 27-year-old the chance to compete for trophies.
The England international can sign a pre-contract agreement in January with a club of his choice with Besiktas confident of their chances while they are open to a loan arrangement in the winter window as well.
Juventus have also entered preliminary talks with the striker while United, Arsenal and Newcastle are also monitoring proceedings.
“If the Beşiktaş management acts quickly and initiates preliminary talks, Dominic Calvert Lewin, who has been playing for Everton since 2016, could be heading to Turkey at the end of the season.
“Juventus have made initial contact with the 27-year-old forward, whose contract will expire on June 30, 2025. On the other hand, Premier League teams Arsenal , Newcastle United and Manchester United, who had problems in their offensive line last season , are also closely following the English striker’s situation.
“Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has some problems in terms of continuity, has an indisputable talent. Beşiktaş can be a good opportunity for him. Because the Super League is a more comfortable league. The Eagle is always one of the biggest candidates for the championship. This is also the criteria that strengthens Beşiktaş’s hand.”
Calvert-Lewin interest
The Peoples Person had relayed that the Red Devils were looking at the England international in the summer but in the end, they opted against making a move.
The former Sheffield United star has registered two goals and one assist this season with Everton still trying to persuade the striker to sign a new deal as per Teamtalk.
They will definitely not sanction a loan exit and if fresh terms cannot be agreed, they will be looking to earn a fee from his sale with his current market value standing at €22 million according to Transfermarkt.
Calvert-Lewin does offer a different profile to that of United’s current forwards and is a box specialist, something the team lacks at the moment. He could be a perfect alternative should Zirkzee depart. It will be intriguing to see if INEOS greenlight a move in January.