Newcastle United 'enter talks' with Copa America semi-finalist as four wingers added to shortlist

Newcastle United have entered into talks with Lille over a potential deal for clinical centre forward Jonathan David, according to reports. French football journalist Jacque Talbot has told FootballTransfers that the Magpies are huge admirers of the Canadian international who has recently returned from the Copa America after a 2-0 semi-final defeat to holders Argentina.

David has scored an incredible 27 goals in 53 appearances for the national team, leaving him just two short of equalling Cyle Larin’s record of 29 strikes. The 24-year-old has been a catalyst for his nation’s recent footballing resurgence and played a vital role in helping the Reds to qualify for the World Cup in 2022, the nation’s first appearance at the tournament since a group stage exit in 1986.

David has long been regarded as one of the best strikers in Ligue 1 football, having scored 71 times in 146 appearances following his transfer from Gent in 2020.

The forward is capable of playing both as a striker and as a central attacking midfielder player and is renowned for his lightning pace and ability to stretch defences, making him potentially a useful partner for Alexander Isak if he was to arrive at St James’ Park. Last term he was the second top scorer in French football with 19 goals and four assists in 34 matches - helping his side to a fourth place finish in the process.

Newcastle have a strong rapport with Lille based on past deals for Sven Botman, Yohan Cabaye and Matheui Debuchy with all of them proving to be a success at St James’ Park. Lille rate David highly but he is currently in the final year of his contract at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, meaning the club could look to sell the player this summer, rather than risk losing him for free in 12 months time.

Newcastle currently have Isak and Callum Wilson as their main attacking options, but given both stars' injury records in recent seasons a third striker would likely be welcomed with open arms by the Toon faithful.

Newcastle place four wingers on their shortlist 

Newcastle United have reportedly created a four-man shortlist of wingers that they are interested in signing this summer. Talbot claimed that one of the names that Newcastle are interested in is Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo after an impressive season for the Bees where he scored nine goals and six assists and emerged as the standout performer in the absence of Ivan Toney.

Mbeumo is primarily a right sided winger but he has also proved that he can score goals if played in the centre forward position due to his excellent movement and strength to hold off defender.

Another top target known for scoring goals is Leeds United star and Championship Player of the Season Crysencio Summerville. The Dutch star struck 20 goals and nine assists in 46 Championship matches for Leeds and is now pushing for a move back to the top-flights with various clubs showing an interest.

Wolves winger Pedro Neto is another target that refuses to go away and he has been linked with a move up North for the best part of 12 months. Neto is known for his immense technical ability and is able to often create chances out of nothing - scoring two goals and providing nine assists. However, his injury record has been questioned in recent weeks, with him missing 18 games last term.

Talbot reports that the final name on Newcastle’s radar is a new face in Chelsea youngster Noni Madueke. The England U21 international arrived from PSV in January 2023 and has impressed fans with his ability to run at defenders and create chances. After scoring five and assisting twice for Chelsea, he has established himself as one to watch in the future, but reports add that he is keen to become a first team regular as he looks to force his way into the England squad in time for the 2026 World Cup.

Newcastle in the past have provided a platform for Anthony Gordon to establish himself as a full senior international and if Madueke was to move to St James’ Park he could follow in the Liverpudlians footsteps.