Calvert-Lewin leaving Everton on free transfer after 9 years with club

Former England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin announced on Sunday he will leave Everton on a free transfer after failing to agree to a new contract with the Toffees.

Calvert-Lewin, 28, said he was seeking a "new challenge" after a nine-year spell on Merseyside.

The former Sheffield United striker was once the deputy to Harry Kane as England's number nine, scoring four times in 11 appearances.

But his last inclusion in an England squad was as part of the team that reached the final of Euro 2020.

He leaves as Everton's third-highest goalscorer in the Premier League with 71 goals in 273 appearances in all competitions.

However, his career has been blighted by a number of lengthy spells on the sidelines due to injury.

"After nine remarkable years at this club, I've made the incredibly difficult decision -- together with my family -- to begin a new chapter in my career," Calvert-Lewin said in a message posted on Instagram.

"The choice to move on was not simply about me -- it was a decision my family and I spent a long time considering together.

"We believe it is the right moment to seek a new challenge and continue growing, but that doesn't lessen the bond I'll always have with Everton."

Manchester United, Newcastle and Chelsea are among the clubs to have previously been linked with a move for Calvert-Lewin.