Frank Lampard has said Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains “absolutely focused” on ensuring Everton’s Premier League survival despite links with a summer move.
Arsenal and Newcastle are reportedly interested in the England international, who has suffered an injury-plagued season but is fit for the final three matches. Everton are likely to have to sell to raise funds for Lampard this summer even in the event of staying in the Premier League, having recorded huge financial losses over the past three years. But the manager insists Calvert-Lewin had not had his head turned or indicated he wishes to leave.
“He has not said anything to me like that,” the manager said. “He trains well and we speak a lot, and he’s said nothing like that. I’m not silly, this is football and he’s a player that would be wanted by clubs because of the level of player he is. There are not many strikers out there. They cost a lot of money. I am not worried about him at all and I wouldn’t be worried about playing him in these games. He is absolutely focused on the job. He’s been a big player for Everton and Everton have been a big club for him in his career.”
Calvert-Lewin has started only 12 Premier League games this season but, with safety in Everton’s hands before home games against Brentford and Crystal Palace, Lampard is hopeful the forward can still have an impact.
“He has three years left on his contract, and I want to take this club forward,” he said. “Players like Dominic help that. I know he hasn’t been playing at the minute because he’s been getting fit but now he’s fit so hopefully he’ll contribute in these last few games for starters.”
Lampard plans to hold talks with several players, including Fabian Delph, about their futures but only once Everton’s position is resolved. He said: “With some players the message will be quite clear – see you on 1 July or whenever the start of pre-season is – and with others you would probably have conversations about how they see it, how they think the season went, what does the future look like for whatever reason, such as contractually.
“Delphy is a good example of that. It has been parked because of the situation we are in. Let’s get clarity of where we are going to finish and then those conversations can happen pretty quickly.”