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(Credit Hasan Karim, Breaking Media, Imago)
Callum O'Connell
Tue 12 August 2025 16:22, UK
Sunderland are planning to accelerate their pursuit of former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that Regis Le Bris still plans to add further strength and quality to his side.
Calvert-Lewin, 28, has been assessing a number of options since leaving Everton in July and is likely to make a decision closer to the end of the window.
The Black Cats will face rival interest in the striker, as Football Insider revealed on 28 July that Aston Villa are interested in Calvert-Lewin and have held talks with his agent.
Regis Le Bris remains keen to strengthen his squad.
(Credit Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Despite that, there is a confidence that he could be convinced to make the move to the Stadium of Light after both Man United and Newcastle opted against making a move.
However, his wages may be a stumbling block after former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Calvert-Lewin is demanding £150,000 per week.
This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.
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Brown told Football Insider in April that Newcastle have had second thoughts about Calvert-Lewin despite having a long-held interest in the striker.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Sunderland share those concerns but feel he may be worth the gamble.
“I hear Sunderland have been looking at Calvert-Lewin,” he told Football Insider.
“The manager wants to strengthen his squad and he’s one of the names on the list.
“There are a lot of clubs who have had a look and spoken to his agent, so it’s no surprise that another has come up and I expect they’ll make a move soon.
“He’ll have to make a decision soon because when the window closes clubs want to be focused on the pitch rather than on transfers.
“I expect it’s one that will happen in the last few days of the window, whether it’s Sunderland that end up getting him or somebody else.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has attracted plenty of interest.
(Credit: Imago)
“But there are a lot of concerns that come with the move, which is why I think a lot of the top clubs haven’t acted on their interest.
“He had year after year of inconsistent performances and injuries at Everton when they have been desperate for a top striker to lead the line.
“The injury record is the biggest concern, it’s such a big problem for these clubs.
“From Sunderland’s point of view, I don’t think he’s the striker to come in and score the goals to keep them in the Premier League.
“But I can see why they seem to be willing to take a gamble on him, because he can be effective.
“If you can keep him fit and play to his strengths, he offers more than just goals.
“Plus, because he’s available on a free, they feel it could be a risk worth taking.”
Aston Villa are also in the race for Calvert-Lewin.
(Credit: Imago)
Calvert-Lewin’s future is unlikely to be resolved until later in the window, but teams are now preparing to step up their interest to beat rivals to his signature.
Brown told Football Insider on 7 August that Aston Villa want to sign Calvert-Lewin and could make a move amid speculation about Ollie Watkins’ future.
Villa’s summer spending has been limited by their difficult financial situation, and the addition of a new striker remains a key target at this stage of the window.
However, his fitness issues are believed to be a concern for Unai Emery who would ideally add a more reliable centre-forward to his squad before the window closes.
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