Everton are planning to hold contract talks with top scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin over a new five-year contract, reports claim.
The England Under-21 international signed a new deal two years ago which ties him to the club until June 2023.
But as a result of Calvert-Lewin’s fine form and importance to the team, Toffees chiefs are preparing to offer an extension and pay rise in order to fend off interest from Man United in the striker, according to The Telegraph.
The Red Devils were pipped by Borussia Dortmund to the signature of 19-year-old striker Haaland, the son of former Leeds and Manchester City player Alf-Inge Haaland.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was understood to have earmarked the Red Bull Salzburg man as his number one target but is now being forced to look elsewhere.
Calvert-Lewin, who took on the No.9 shirt this season, has netted five goals in his last five league games and has established himself as a favourite under Carlo Ancelotti, who has said he can become one of the best strikers in Europe.
The Italian, who has managed the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, said: “He is a fantastic striker in my opinion – fantastic with the head, clever in the box, and sharp.
“But he’s young and for this reason he has to improve. He is a humble guy and he doesn’t talk a lot.
“I think he is going to be at the top in England and in Europe. He has all the qualities to be a top striker.”
