Newcastle register interest in Jonathan David after shrewd Paul Mitchell move
Lee Ryder
4 – 5 minutes
Newcastle United are understood to have thrown their hat in the ring for sought-after Ligue 1 star Jonathan David.
Chronicle Live has learned that after head of recruitment Steve Nickson scouted the Canada international on numerous occasions earlier this season, subsequent follow up enquiries have now been made. It is believed sporting director Paul Mitchell has also been in touch with David’s representatives in recent weeks to firm up interest in the 25-year-old.
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Newcastle were not one of the clubs that attempted a cheeky bid for David in January but Mitchell’s contact is deemed significant. David is believed to admire the project at Newcastle but knows he will have a range of different options this summer.
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However, the attacker’s team have Newcastle on their list of potential destinations ahead of what will be one of the most exciting summer windows in years. Nickson has travelled to France to check out David and senior Newcastle scouts were at Anfield for Lille’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Liverpool earlier this year.
David offers exceptional value for interested clubs this summer as he will leave Lille on a free transfer – and while he will be in a strong personal position in terms of wage and signing on fee demands, whoever lands the star will be signing a striker who is ready to hit the ground running after 143 career goals at club level so far.
The Magpies, still having to cut their cloth accordingly due to PSR rules, are looking for value this summer. But even with the summer window three months away there are still a few hurdles for any side wanting to sign David.
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Firstly, Newcastle will have to push past Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona to land the player. Secondly, qualifying for the Champions League would put them in a much stronger position regarding their chances of wooing the Lille ace to St James’ Park.
United’s summer brochure for new signings has now been updated with images of the club’s glorious Wembley triumph in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool. Beating the Reds has not gone unnoticed by top managers, clubs and players across Europe and the cup win has been on the lips of players at international camps around the globe.
With Newcastle well and truly back on the map in football, a marquee signing this summer will ensuring commercial activity continues to tick over nicely. And a signing like David fits perfectly into that plan if the Magpies could pull it off.
Although, David is just one on a long list of talents that Eddie Howe has on his wish-list. Howe’s scouting network have been hard at work scouring the World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies for hidden gems.
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The Magpies like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, Villarreal’s Thierno Barry and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman too but David would be a signing who would be celebrated by the Newcastle faithful who are eager to see the club push on to the next level.
David has spoken about the likelihood of his Lille exit and said over the international break, saying: “If I do end up going, I have to push myself at the very highest level.
“When you play for a big club, your position is never guaranteed, and you need to fight. I am never guaranteed anywhere I go to start every game and play every game, I have to perform. I am willing to fight. I know it’s an important year. It is a big decision. I will make a wise decision.”
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