Everton

Everton

Premier League • England

Everton told to be ruthless with top star who has ‘no chance’ of earning new contract

Everton stars Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jarrad Branthwaite

Everton stars Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jarrad Branthwaite in conversation

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor insists there is ‘no chance’ of a top Everton star signing a new contract with the club while his fitness issues remain.

The player in question is striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has only made nine Premier League appearances this season and is entering the final two years of his current Goodison Park deal.

The Toffees have already agreed a renewal for keeper Jordan Pickford, while a new deal for Alex Iwobi is also in the works.

But with Calvert-Lewin’s value no longer anywhere near what it once was, Agbonlahor fears for his long-term future on Merseyside.

The England forward has made only 30 appearances for the Toffees over the last two seasons, with his absence clearly felt in two battles against relegation.

The 26-year-old currently earns a reported wage of £100,000-a-week at Goodison Park.

But when asked if a renewal could eventually be on the cards for Calvert-Lewin, Agbonlahor told Football Insider: “There’s not a chance.

“When it comes to giving him a contract, Everton have got to consider a pay-as-you-play deal. Low wages with a big appearance fee.

“It’s gotten that bad for him with the constant injuries.

Arsenal transfer talk long gone

“No club is going to give him a big contract. There was talk of Arsenal signing him a couple of years ago – but there’s no chance of that happening now.

“The days of him being worth £40 or £50million are long gone.

“He’s going to have to prove his fitness across a whole season now. Everton would be fools if they gave him a big contract.”

Calvert-Lewin could return to the bench for Monday night’s Premier League clash with Tottenham at Goodison.

The Toffees will be chasing all three points against managerless Spurs on Merseyside as they look to pull away from the drop zone.

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