Jonathan David’s surprise U-turn deals major transfer blow to Newcastle United
Jonathan David has named La Liga as his “preferred” destination should he leave Lille this summer.
Newcastle United are understood to be targeting the Canadian as Eddie Howe aims to bolster his attacking options. A precarious contract situation means David will be free to leave Lille for nothing at the end of the season.
This has placed Premier League clubs on red alert as a player valued at £50million two years ago looks set to leave on a free transfer. David - in moves that have angered Les Dogues fans - has openly hinted at leaving throughout the campaign.
“Yes, I will be free at the end of the season,” he said last month. “As for my future, I hope to grow, become a better player and play for the biggest clubs in the world, if I can. Do you want any clues about my future?
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“You will all know in due time, that is at the end of the season. I will not comment before then. First of all, I want to finish this season well, the end looks exciting and I want to play well and help the team. And when the season is over, the decision will be made and announced.”
NewcastleWorld understands the Magpies are genuinely interested in the striker. Callum Wilson’s injury record remains questionable and Alexander Isak has also suffered niggling concerns.
But he has now seemingly snubbed Premier League interest by declaring his preference for La Liga. This will likely come as a shock to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, both rumoured to be interested.
“I think I can adapt to every league,” he told The Overlap. “Every league has its differences. The Premier League is a lot faster and more physical than all of the other leagues.”
“For me, I grew up watching a lot of La Liga and for me, that would be my preferred league. That is the league that I enjoyed watching the most so one day I would like to play there. Will that happen? I don’t know. We’ll see what the future takes us”