Aston Villa have reportedly made an approach to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The striker is available on a free transfer after leaving Everton at the end of the season, following almost a decade of Premier League action with the Toffees.

Villa are in the market for a centre-forward this summer, with Unai Emery limited to just two natural options through the middle within his squad.

Ollie Watkins has been linked with a move away this summer, but the Englishman now looks set to stay at Villa Park.

Calvert-Lewin’s injuries cannot be ignored

Calvert-Lewin enjoyed some superb seasons for Everton.

Perhaps his best, came in the 2020/21 season when the striker netted 21 times in all competitions, including 16 in the Premier League.

Standing at six feet and two inches tall, the Englishman is a traditional striker – the big man up top, if you will.

A massive threat from set-pieces and crosses, Calvert-Lewin constantly manages to cause chaos in the opposition penalty area.

And with superb technique, the 28-year-old is happy to take the ball down too, often turning away from his man to play into space, or drive forward himself.

On paper, the striker could be a perfect option for Villa to bring on when a goal is needed and could even form a deadly partnership to play off the relentless running of Watkins.

The problems with Calvert-Lewin, however, have always come on the injury table.

In the 2021/22 season, he made just 17 appearances in the league after suffering a broken toe, and issues with his hamstring.

The following season, it was 17 again, with hamstring problems again flaring up along with a new problem with the forward’s knee.

In the last two seasons, Calvert-Lewin has enjoyed a slight reprieve, but the fear of recurring problems has undoubtedly taken a huge blow on both the striker’s confidence and his ability.

Calvert-Lewin could be worth the risk

Should Aston Villa be able to negotiate a pay-as-you-play contract with Calvert-Lewin – similar to what Callum Wilson is reportedly lined up for at West Ham – the move may well be worth it.

A fresh start is often exactly what an injury-stricken player needs, and the reduced dependency the Sheffield-born striker would experience at Villa could pay dividends.