Everton under threat as Jose Mourinho eyes shock Roma raid for important Dyche star; deal could ruin West Ham transfer

Sean Dyche may have to do without an integral Everton star next season after a report detailed Roma’s interest in him, and the move could end the chances of a West Ham transfer happening.

Mourinho has used his extensive connections with the Premier League to improve his Roma squad with several new signings. Last summer, the manager helped Roma win the race for defensive midfielder Nemanja Matic, who was available on a free transfer following the expiry of his Manchester United contract.

This year, Roma have captured Leeds United defenders Diego Llorente and Rasmus Kristensen on season-long loan deals.

Roma are now hunting for a new centre-forward as current option Tammy Abraham continues to recover from an ACL injury. He underwent surgery on the issue in early June.

Roma have set their sights on West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca. And on Tuesday, Italian source Roma Giallorossa claimed West Ham have accepted a bid from Roma for Scamacca. It is an initial loan offer which includes the obligation to buy for between €20-21m (£17.1-18m) in summer 2024.

But that has yet to be backed up by any other reports, and Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport now claim Roma are going down a different avenue.

Their report states that Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is of interest to Roma, in a surprise twist.

Mourinho believes Calvert-Lewin has what it takes to become a big success in Italy.

The Englishman has had two troublesome seasons at Everton, having been limited to 36 games and seven goals as a result of frequent injury problems.

Roma eyeing up Everton and West Ham forwards

But Mourinho is willing to look past all that, as he thinks he can rediscover the Calvert-Lewin of old. In the 2020-21 campaign, Calvert-Lewin managed 21 goals in 39 appearances.

Dyche will be hoping to rely on the 26-year-old next season to provide his team with goals and help launch them up the Premier League table. But Dyche might have to live without Calvert-Lewin if Roma end up submitting a big offer for him.

Another reason Mourinho and Roma are looking at Calvert-Lewin is a recent ruling from the Italian FA. Previously, Serie A clubs were only allowed to have two non-EU players in their squad per season.

But that rule has been amended, with British and Swiss players now considered equivalent to EU players in all aspects. As such, Roma are now able to sign Calvert-Lewin without him taking up one of their non-EU spots.

It will be interesting to see how Abraham fits in at Roma if they also bring in Calvert-Lewin. Mourinho could try to help them strike an attacking partnership, although they are similar players and might end up clashing as a result.

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk understands a new Championship club are hoping to sign an Everton midfielder on loan.