Newcastle United 'target' £40m striker wanted by Chelsea, Arsenal and Man Utd

Newcastle United are weighing up a big-money move for Lille striker Jonathan David, according to reports. Born in the US, the 24-year-old represents Canada, where he moved at age six. David has averaged more than a goal every other game at international level and represented the country at the 2022 World Cup.

That record has translated to European football, with David bagging 71 times in 165 games for Lille. The striker led the line as part of the team - alongside Sven Botman - who stunned Paris Saint-Germain to win the league in 2021.

Reports are now suggesting Newcastle could target David as part of a summer rebuild. Eddie Howe has two top strikers in his ranks with Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak but both have struggled for fitness. Wilson, in particular, has proven a headache for the Magpies since joining in 2020. While his goal return has not faltered, missing 34 per cent of Newcastle’s Premier League fixtures points towards needing a more reliable option.

By contrast, David has missed just two Ligue 1 fixtures for Lille following his four years ago. Football Transfers claim Toon chiefs are keeping tabs on Les Doges’ talisman - who will have one year left on his contract in the summer. Just 12 months remaining could force Lille into a corner, with previous valuations at around £40million. The Magpies will be wanting to drive a hard bargain as they continue to be hamstrung by FFP/PSR regulations.

Arsenal and Chelsea are other English clubs linked with the Canadian in recent times. There were also suggestions Manchester United were considering a £34million bid in January as competition to Rasmus Hojlund.