Dominic Calvert-Lewin: Allardyce backs Man Utd move and suggests £50m value

Dominic Calvert-Lewin would improve Manchester United’s attack, according to Sam Allardyce. The former England manager has suggested the Leeds striker could be worth £50m as Mauricio Pochettino prepares to take charge at Old Trafford.

United have just appointed Pochettino after sacking Michael Carrick. Every pundit has a view on what the new boss needs first, and Allardyce has gone straight for a centre-forward.

What Allardyce said about Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Man Utd

Allardyce was speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, in an episode about Pochettino’s arrival.

“He’s better than what they’ve got now. It depends on how much Leeds wanted for him,” he said.

Asked about a fee, Allardyce gave his own valuation. “I don’t think they’ll take £20m. He’s probably worth £50 million, isn’t he?”

That is a big figure for a player who arrived at Elland Road on a free transfer from Everton. It shows how far his stock has risen.

The fitness question that followed him from Everton

Calvert-Lewin’s Everton career was badly hit by injuries, and Allardyce admitted he was surprised by how well the striker has held up at Leeds.

“It’s nice to see him doing what he’s doing at Leeds. I’d like to know what he’s done with his life to keep himself fit,” he said, as reported by Leeds All Over.

He suggested it could be a mix of the player’s own work and a club plan built around keeping him ready every week, adding that “it didn’t seem to happen at Everton for some reason”.

Fitness remains part of the picture. The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that he has been managing a bruised foot for several weeks.

Why Calvert-Lewin makes sense for United

The numbers back up the praise. According to Leeds United News, he has scored 20 goals in all competitions since joining Leeds, and his form has earned him a place back in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

United have seen it up close too. Calvert-Lewin cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo’s opener when Leeds drew 1-1 with United at Elland Road on 18 October, as our Leeds 1-1 Man Utd report explains.

His rise has been building for a while. We tracked it when he earned his England recall in September, on the back of four goals in six games.

Would Leeds sell?

That is the big question. Calvert-Lewin is central to the way Daniel Farke’s side play, and Leeds fans will not want to lose him. Leeds United News also reports that the club have an agreement in principle with him over a new deal.

Any fee would be a big return on a player who cost Leeds nothing. But selling your best striker in January is rarely a simple call, especially to a rival with deep pockets.

What comes next for Pochettino

Allardyce’s recommendation does not establish that United are pursuing a deal. Pochettino will be judged quickly, though, and goals will matter.

His first game is a huge one. United travel to Anfield on Sunday 22 November for a 4.30pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports.

For the latest on the new manager, read our Pochettino appointment story and when he starts work, and follow all our Premier League coverage.