NEWCASTLE UNITED transfer target Jonathan David has admitted he is ready to consider his future this summer, with the Magpies primed to enter the battle for the Canadian striker.
David is due to become a free agent when his current contract with Lille expires at the end of June, and while the Ligue 1 club have held talks about a potential deal, the expectation is that the 25-year-old will be moving on once the transfer window reopens.
His availability on a free transfer will spark a frenzy of activity from clubs across the continent, with David having had an excellent season in the French top-flight.
The forward has scored 23 goals in 41 appearances for Lille this term, nine of which have come in the Champions League, and is regarded as one of the brightest attacking talents in Europe.
Newcastle have scouted him extensively over the course of the last 18 months, and while they will almost certainly have to secure qualification for the Champions League to have any chance of luring him to Tyneside, they are ready to make a pitch in an attempt to persuade him to head to St James’ Park.
The likes of Liverpool, Barcelona and Tottenham have also been linked with David’s services in the last few months, but Newcastle will point to the way that Alexander Isak has developed into one of the world’s best strikers during his time with the Magpies as evidence that they could help the Canada international achieve his ambitions as they continue to grow as a club.
David has kept quiet about his future in the last few months, but speaking during his time away from Lille during the current international break, the Canadian has admitted he is approaching crunch time in terms of assessing his options.
“Obviously, with this summer going on, I am not sure if I am staying or going,” he said in an interview with Golazo America. “But if I do end up going, I have to push myself at the very highest level.
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“When you play for a big club, your position is never guaranteed, and you need to fight. I am never guaranteed anywhere I go to start every game and play every game, I have to perform. I am willing to fight. I know it's an important year. It is a big decision. I will make a wise decision.”
Newcastle’s forward line is set to undergo significant surgery this summer, with the club in a much stronger PSR position than has been the case in the couple of transfer windows.
The Newcastle hierarchy are determined to do everything they can to hold on to Isak, with PIF chief Yasir al-Rumayyan understood to have personally pledged to do everything possible to keep the Swede at St James’ Park. When it comes to the ownership’s plans for the next few seasons, retaining Isak is seen as an essential element of successfully developing the squad.
Callum Wilson’s future is much less clear-cut, with the 33-year-old due to reach the end of his contract in June. Eddie Howe has suggested that Wilson could be retained on a new deal despite the injury problems that have plagued him in the last couple of years, but it is surely telling that contractual discussions have not yet taken place.
While Will Osula is regarded as a promising long-term project who has made significant strides forward this season, Wilson’s departure would create a gap that Newcastle would be keen to fill with an established attacking performer.
David’s pedigree makes him an extremely appealing option, along with his versatility, which has seen him play right across the forward line during his time with Lille.
“What will happen? I don't know,” added David, when pressed on his future. “I'm not opposed to anything. We'll see where the future takes us.”
