'A bit of everything' - Alan Shearer approves Newcastle United move for 18-goal striker
Alan Shearer believes Lille striker Jonathan David has “a bit of everything” amid reported Newcastle United interest.
Out of contract at the end of the season, there appears to be no sign of the 25-year-old penning an extension. Lille must now decide whether to cash in at a discount or risk losing him for nothing this summer.
David revealed last month that negotiations were at a “50/50” stage, with 18 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions putting potential suitors on high alert. The Canadian international was viewed as one of the world’s top prospects as a No.9 and he is now entering his peak years.
Newcastle are understood to be monitoring the situation given their precarious striker position. Alexander Isak is the undisputed main man at St James’ Park but, beyond that, options are slim.
Callum Wilson’s injury woes have placed a heavy burden on the Swede and Will Osula is still learning his craft. Working as part of Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage, former Toon goal machine Shearer backed David for success.
"I like a bit of everything,” Shearer said. “He doesn't mind coming short, he wants the ball to feet and you mentioned his goalscoring record. For the last few years he's got 20+ in Ligue 1. (He is) Obviously a threat.
"Whether he's good enough, I think he has to go to another level if that's going to attract interest from the top four in the Premier League. But where better to put himself in the shop window than at Anfield tonight and against one of the world's best centre-backs in Van Dijk?"
“I think you've always got a point to prove, there's no doubt. He'll know that bigger clubs are looking at him, he'll know that his contract's coming up at the end of this season. Whether they can keep hold of him for the final four or five months of the season or if they decide to cash in on him this month remains to be seen.
“But there's without doubt a talent in there. I think from last year to this year he's experienced, he's learnt a little more about the game, 25 years of age, so he's still, I think, got time on his side but he's about to come into the peak years of his career."