Former Everton and Arsenal striker Francis Jeffers admits the Toffees must be willing to let striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin leave the club if he wishes to so as not to upset the squad harmony.
Calvert-Lewin is among the strikers who have been discussed as a possible target for Manchester United this summer, according to Sky Sports.
The 27-year-old has been plagued by injuries but Jeffers believes he will be instrumental to Everton’s hopes of avoiding relegation trouble this coming season if he stays.
However, Jeffers, who came through Everton’s academy and spent four years in the first team, admits boss Sean Dyche cannot afford to have an unhappy player in the squad.
Speaking to William Hill Vegas, Jeffers said: “I want DCL to stay at Everton. DCL is a top player, one I have worked with in the past and I like him a lot. Plagued by some injuries, you can see what he is capable of when he has a full season of full fitness.
“He has played for England and this shows he is capable of being a top Premier League striker, scoring plenty of goals. However, you want a DCL who wants to be at the club, and that his heart is fully committed to the club.
“For the other players, you need everyone working together in the right direction and if DCL’s head is elsewhere, then it is time for him to move on and the club can get a fee for him and then get another striker in.
“So it is ideal that he stays at Goodison as the new stadium is on the horizon and he can lead them into it with a new deal and Premier League status. I don’t think it’s time for him to move to a club capable of winning trophies, but if he decides he wants to move, then he should go as Everton need players who want to wear the Everton shirt.”
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