Newcastle United's new owners are ready to make a statement of their intent with the marquee signing of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to reports.
A consortium backed by the vast wealth of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund purchased the Magpies for £305million earlier this month and heavy spending on players is expected in upcoming transfer windows.
The new board has already taken decisive action by sacking Steve Bruce on Wednesday morning and a replacement manager is expected to be appointed within the next week or two.
St James' Park chiefs are also turning their attention to transfer business as they look to fulfil their vow to bring silverware back to Tyneside.
Calvert-Lewin is highly-rated by Newcastle's current recruitment staff and the Daily Telegraph claims the England international will remain a target even if there is a change of technical personnel when Bruce's successor is appointed.
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The new Magpies board are keen to provide Callum Wilson with a strike partner and Calvert-Lewin caught the eye last season with 21 goals in all competitions.
The 24-year-old's fine form earned him a place in England's Euro 2020 squad and he has started the current campaign with three goals in three Premier League games.
Calvert-Lewin's impressive run was brought to an abrupt half by a fractured toe and a thigh injury, meaning he has not featured for club or country since August.
He has many admirers in the Premier League including Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City, while the same report also claims there is significant interest from a prominent Bundesliga club.
It adds Calvert-Lewin could be one of many high-profile strikers on the move next summer, with Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland and Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane linked with transfers.
The Toffees frontman has four years remaining on his contract at Goodison Park, so it would likely take a substantial bid to prise him from Merseyside.
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Everton provided a brief update on his condition with a statement on Wednesday evening which read: "Dominic Calvert-Lewin has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from a quadriceps injury and will remain out for a number of weeks.
"The Everton striker has not played since the Blues’ Premier League clash at Brighton & Hove Albion on 28 August, when he scored from the penalty spot in a 2-0 victory.
"Calvert-Lewin will continue to receive specialist treatment and an update on the England international’s fitness will be provided in due course."
