'HE'S OUR PLAYER'
Arsenal and Newcastle sent warning about Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer chase by Everton boss Frank Lampard
ARSENAL and Newcastle have received a blow in their pursuit of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The 25-year-old has started just 12 Premier League games for the Toffees so far this season due to injury and fitness issues.
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For the last two games - the wins over Chelsea and Leicester - Calvert-Lewin has been available but remained an unused substitute.
He has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park in the summer amid a lack of game time, with Arsenal and Newcastle understood to be keen on making a move.
But Everton manager Frank Lampard has now insisted the England international is in his long-term plans.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Brentford, he said: "He is a fantastic striker, the pedigree of striker that there aren't many around. It's been unfortunate for me, I think, that I haven't had him fit.
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"He's had little moments but we know that strikers - particularly out of any position - need runs of games and fitness and confidence.
"We've never been able to get that for Dominic to be fair to him. But yeah, he's a huge player, they are not very common. He is contracted to us, three years left on his contract, and I want to take this club forward and players like Dominic help that.
"I know he hasn't been playing at the minute because he's been getting fit, but now he's fit, so hopefully he will contribute in the last few games for starters and then he's our player.
"He's a player that would be wanted by clubs because of the level of player he is.
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"There are not many strikers out there, they cost a lot of money. I'm not worried about him at all."
Calvert-Lewin has scored 56 goals and provided 17 assists in 188 appearances for Everton.
His most prolific campaign came last season under Carlo Ancelotti where he netted 21 goals in 39 games.
But his struggles with fitness this season have seen him manage just three goals in 15 matches.
Meanwhile, Everton are still deeply embroiled in a relegation battle with three Premier League games remaining.
Despite back-to-back wins, they are still just two points above the drop zone.
Lampard's last three games of the campaign are home fixtures against Brentford and Crystal Palace and a trip to Arsenal on the final day.
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