Newcastle are regarded as the favourites to secure the services of Lille striker Jonathan David, according to GiveMeSport.
The website claims that the Magpies are now believed to be “front of the queue” to snap up the Canadian international on a free transfer.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell is known to be keeping close tabs on David, who has had a bright start to the season for Lille.
The 24-year-old scored the winner from the penalty spot as his team secured a famous 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
That goal was David’s 8th of the campaign in all competitions, having also scored 5 times in Ligue One and 2 others in Champions League qualifiers.
Other Premier League teams have cooled their interest
Up until recently, the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham had pondered their own approaches for David.
However, GiveMeSport report that all four clubs have pulled back from pursuing the player for different reasons.
Spurs and the Hammers have bought new strikers recently, while Manchester United are said to be unconvinced about David’s ability to play at the highest level. Chelsea, meanwhile, may decide to pursue Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran instead.
Newcastle need reinforcements up front
Manager Eddie Howe is currently without a recognised senior striker due to fitness problems. Alexander Isak is out until after the next international break with a toe injury, while Callum Wilson has not played at all this season due to a back problem.
As the latter is also expected to leave St James’ Park when his contract expires at the end of the campaign, there is a vacancy to fill up front. With David likely to be a free agent, it seems like a great opportunity to strengthen a key position.
Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here