Everton wary of second Real Madrid raid after Ancelotti for star man
Carlo Ancelotti is considering a raid on his former club Everton that would see one of their key men move to Real Madrid, according to reports.
Ancelotti was a high-profile managerial appointment for Everton when they brought him to the club in December 2019. However, he left at the end of last season in order to return to Real Madrid. The Italian tactician signed a contract that will last three seasons.
His target will be to win the La Liga title that evaded him during his previous spell in Spain. If he achieves it, he will have won league titles in all of Europe’s so-called top five leagues.
Madrid are in second place after seven league games and could go joint-top by winning a game in hand. But Ancelotti will be eager to strengthen his squad as it evolves over the long term.
One area that he could consider reinforcing is at centre-forward. Karim Benzema is one of the best strikers in the world, but will turn 34 in December. Behind him, it has been hard to find a reliable backup anyway.
Thus, it may make sense for Madrid to target someone who can compete with Benzema at first and then eventually succeed him when the time comes. And to do so, Ancelotti could seek to reunite with one of his former Everton players.
According to Calciomercato – who do not provide any information about a potential transfer fee or personal terms – Real have joined the race to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The England international has proven himself over the past couple of seasons. He has hit double figures in consecutive campaigns, thanks in no small part to what Ancelotti got out of him.
Even after the Italian’s departure and replacement by Rafael Benitez, Calvert-Lewin has continued to find the net with frequency. He has three goals from three appearances so far in the 2021-22 Premier League.
Although currently nursing an injury, his form has seen him linked with a transfer. Arsenal are believed to be major admirers, for example – although they could also be keen on a current Real Madrid backup, Luka Jovic.
There is the potential for a merry-go-round of sorts, then, what with Madrid keeping tabs on Calvert-Lewin.
Calvert-Lewin could reunite with Ancelotti
Ancelotti clearly has fond memories of the 24-year-old, who has never played abroad in his career so far. He came through the ranks at Sheffield United and underwent loan spells with Stalybridge Celtic and Northampton Town before earning his move to Everton.
It seems there could yet be a next step for Calvert-Lewin if he wants it. He will have suitors elsewhere in the Premier League and abroad.
If Everton were to lose another key figure to Madrid, it would come as a big blow. They would have to find a way to replace someone who has been a reliable source of goals for them in recent years.
For now, though, he remains under contract at Goodison Park until 2025.
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