Lille reject ‘lowball’ Jonathan David bid as Newcastle United given come-and-get-me plea
Lille have reportedly rejected a derisory offer for Newcastle United target Jonathan David.
With 90 goals in his last three-and-a-half seasons, the Canadian is attracting Premier League interest. A precarious contract situation - with his current deal expiring this summer - has placed potential suitors on high alert.
NewcastleWorld reported earlier this month that the Magpies have “growing confidence” a summer deal can be done. Movement in January is unlikely as PSR continues to govern policy at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe admitted last week that Newcastle were close to signing Abdukodir Khusanov before his eventual Manchester City switch. Toon chiefs are likely to keep their powder dry until the summer - a scenario that favours David.
The striker - who has 19 goals across all competitions this season alone - is in no hurry to commit his future to Lille. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are also linked with the 25-year-old.
An unnamed club is understood to have bid around £10million for David earlier this week. Unsurprisingly, the offer was turned down, with the Ligue 1 outfit still going strong domestically and in Europe.
David scored in Lille’s 6-1 Champions League win over Feyenoord last night, with former Toon flop Remy Cabella also netting. The 25-year-old previously issued a come-and-get-me plea to Premier League clubs - another reason for Newcastle to feel confident.
"What am I waiting for?” he said last year. “I guess now it’s easier to say. I’m in the last year of my contract. Eventually, my contract is going to run out. So then we’ll see. We’ll see what happens next year. I’m open to anything.
“I think obviously the Premier League is regarded as one of the best leagues in the world. And for me, it’s not the Premier League or bust. I’m open to anything and every league has its challenges."