Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has received a significant boost in his hopes of beating other suitors to the signing of Jonathan David, with St James’ Park identified as one of the more likely landing spots for the Lille star if he embarks on a new challenge in 2025, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Although the Magpies bolstered their attacking options by completing the £15 million signing of William Osula following Sheffield United’s relegation to the Championship, sporting director Paul Mitchell has remained on the lookout for additional reinforcements in the final third as preparations for upcoming transfer windows continue.
Alexander Isak has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet when fully fit, but he is expected to be out until after the international break after breaking his toe in a win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last month, and Howe is desperate to ensure he has enough firepower to deal with similar situations in the future.
Magpies’ David Interest Refusing to Go Away
Canada international’s chances of moving to Premier League rising
According to GMS sources, Newcastle have remained admirers of David despite initially considering whether to try to lure him away from Lille during the summer, and the Tyneside giants are considered among the frontrunners to sign him if he returns to the Premier League for the first time in his career.
The striker is set to become a free agent in less than a year as his contract, which pays him just shy of £27,000 per week, expires at the end of June, leaving the Magpies looking for a way to land prolific competition for Isak without spending a fortune.
According to GMS sources, David’s chances of leaving Lille for the English top flight have increased since the transfer window closed in August, and Newcastle are waiting in the wings to pounce after seeing him have a productive start to the season and score a winning goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this week.
Jonathan David’s statistical averages per 90 minutes this season, compared to Alexander Isak.
Jonathan David
Alexander Isak
Shots
2.68
2.44
Shot-making actions
2.44
2.44
Shots on target.
1.71
0.44
Goals
1.22
0.22
Key passes.
0.98
0.89
Expected goals:
0.71
0.33
Statistics are valid as of 03/10/2024.
Although the Canada international’s current employers were demanding up to £42 million this summer, the Magpies are aware that they will be able to negotiate a pre-contract arrangement when he reaches the final six months of his contract at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy at the end of the year.
Newcastle may also try to persuade Ligue 1 club Lille to accept a low-ball offer that would allow David to move to Tyneside midway through the season, while GMS sources have learned that previous Premier League suitors have refused to rule out reviving their interest if David’s productive form continues.
Rivals Had Concerns Over David’s Capabilities
Manchester United and West Ham turned down move for frontman
According to GMS sources, Newcastle might benefit from a number of teams’ lack of confidence in David’s ability to compete at the highest level when he was touted throughout the summer, with domestic rivals Manchester United among those who passed up the opportunity to pounce.
Although coaches and sporting directors questioned the 24-year-old’s capacity to perform in the Premier League, he has attempted to silence the naysayers by scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 12 games this season.
In a significant boost for Newcastle, GMS sources believe West Ham United are unlikely to compete for David’s services, having signed Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund after turning down the opportunity to raid Lille and also attempting to sign Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran.
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