The intriguing Newcastle United and Everton swap transfer deal that could work a treat for both clubs

The final days of the summer transfer window are here and, somewhat inexplicably, clubs that have had the best part of three months to conduct business are still scrambling around the late deals.

There are, of course, some circumstances that dictate business can only be conducted with just hours to go in the window as the shifting plates in the transfer market slide in and out of place with unexpected regularity. For Newcastle United, by Eddie Howe’s own admission, this has been a difficult transfer window and one the Magpies boss described as the most difficult of his career.

It has, in some ways, been of window of two phases at St. James’ Park as the Magpies were forced into the sales of young duo Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson to stave off the threat of a potential points deduction under the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. The second half of the window has brought a painstaking attempt to bolster Howe’s defence and negotiations are (still!) ongoing over a possible club record deal for Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi.

A further headache appears to have been thrown the Magpies way after reports last week suggested Kieran Trippier was keen to bring an end to his time at Newcastle after he became their first statement signing under the ownership of a Saudi-led consortium. That move provoked shockwaves as the ambitious owners persuaded the England star to leave La Liga champions Atletico Madrid and delve into the depths of a battle against relegation from the Premier League. It was a move that off handsomely as Trippier became a catalyst for further high-profile signings and played an integral role in demanding and implementing high standards on and off the pitch as Howe’s side were transformed from Championship possibles to Champions League contenders in the space of 18 months.

The progress of young full-back Tino Livramento has cast doubt over Trippier’s future on Tyneside - but as the latter’s appearance as a substitute in Sunday’s challenging draw at Bournemouth showed, he can still provide Howe and his side with an abundance of leadership and experience when required. Not that anyone would need to tell the Magpies boss what he possesses within Trippier, nor the importance of the man he first worked with during his time in charge at Burnley just over a decade ago. His comments ahead of the draw on the south coast left nobody in doubt over the England star’s importance to Howe.

He said: "(He’s) a valuable member of the squad. His professionalism has been first class. He's trained really well since he came back from the Euros - I think he's only had two weeks of training, hence the reason why he didn't start last week. I'm not really sure where this (speculation over his future) has come from. He's preparing as we all are for the game on Saturday. His leadership skills, his ability with the ball, his assist record, everything he brings to the group we definitely want here."

Despite those comments, speculation over a possible move away from St. James’ Park still dominates the headlines after the likes of Serie A club Atalanta and Premier League rivals Everton were linked with a late move for Trippier in recent days. At least two Saudi Arabia Pro League clubs remain interest in the former Tottenham Hotspur star after initially showing their interest in the experienced full-back during the January transfer window.

A move to Everton and a reunion with Sean Dyche would make some sense for the player himself, even if it still feels like a strange move for Newcastle to authorise should it come to pass. However, perhaps there is a deal that could work for all parties and satisfy their needs before the transfer window ‘slams shut’ later this week. Newcastle require at least one more attacking option as Alexander Isak continues the bare the brunt of their responsibilities at the top end of the pitch. Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a long-term target of the Magpies and, providing he can maintain his fitness levels, would provide an alternative to Isak should a deal be completed. Intriguingly, comments from Toffees boss Dyche may prompt a ramping up of the interest from Newcastle and re-energise their attempts to revitalise a deal that was touted earlier in the summer.

Speaking ahead of their weekend defeat at Spurs, Dyche said: “Any offer of a certain level would have to be still looked at by the club. We are in a better position because of player trading and how much we have lowered the wages but it is not solved. Therefore there would still be a moment where the big people at the club get a phone call and then it is down to them. I can give a football opinion. I think we would all go: ‘We don’t need to be selling anyone at the minute’ but that doesn’t mean that happens. The powers that be are still not in a position where they can go: ‘We are fine, we can start bankrolling the club and we are going to sign players,’ as you can quite obviously tell.”

Much has been made of Calvert-Lewin’s fitness record and there is some credibility to those claims - but the 11-times capped England international did make 38 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists. That is 12 more appearances than the man he could replace at Newcastle made last season after injuries limited Callum Wilson to 26 appearances in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup. Wilson also made just 12 starts in all competitions, compared to Calvert-Lewin’s 32 starts.

Neither Dyche or Howe seem entirely happy with the prospect of losing either Calvert-Lewin or Trippier - but could this uncomfortable ‘swap’ deal provide both Everton and Newcastle with an opportunity to plug a hole in their squads before the summer transfer window closes for business?