Newcastle United now reportedly facing competition from Italy for £40m striker

There's a transfer rumour that is following Newcastle United around like a bad smell and the closer we get to the January transfer window the stronger the whiff is getting.

Eddie Howe is said to be a huge admirer of Everton's answer to Callum Wilson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The 11-times-capped England international has been linked with a move to Newcastle in practically every transfer window in which he's been fit.

Fitness is the big issue here. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has the talent and the goal-scoring ability but the feeling amongst Newcastle fans is that he's similar to Callum Wilson in that he cannot be relied upon to be available when needed.

The last thing Newcastle need is another perma-crocked striker but the rumour refuses to go away and while the Magpies apparently walked away from a summer deal for DCL over his £40 million price-tag, there's a feeling that they could return to try again in January.

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Everton need to make a call on Dominic Calvert-Lewin in January

Everton remain confident that they can get the 27-year-old to sign a new deal at the Toffees, but a report from TeamTALK is now suggesting that AC Milan and Roma have joined Newcastle with an interest in the England star.

Calvert-Lewin's contract is up at the end of the season and while he stalls on signing a new deal, Everton have to decide whether to risk losing him for free in the summer if he fails to sign a new deal, or cash in on him in January while they can.

Transfer rules will allow Calvert-Lewin to agree a summer switch with one of the Italian sides on a pre-contract agreement in January, but the FA's rules prohibit English clubs from doing the same.

Hopefully Newcastle have moved on from Calvert-Lewin

Essentially, Calvert-Lewin could sign for Roma or Milan in January ahead of moving in the summer for free, but if Newcastle want to get a march on their competition, they'd have to fork over money to make the deal happen in the new year.

As we've said, we're aware that Calvert-Lewin has a good strike rate, but his injury issues are a huge concern and for that reason alone we're hoping we give him a wide berth.

There are better options out there and we'd rather explore those than chase Calvert-Lewin around any longer.