Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that sources have indicated to him Aston Villa could turn their attention to Lille striker Jonathan David – after seemingly missing out on veteran striker Luis Suarez.
Mundo Deportivo, among others, report that Argentine giants River Plate are ‘very close’ to signing Suarez – after he left Atletico Madrid on a free transfer. Villa are keen to bring in a striker and will now look elsewhere.
That is, despite boasting both Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins. Previous reports claim that Canada international David had been scouted by Arsenal and Liverpool during the second half of the 2021-22 campaign.
- Newcastle and Tottenham want Leeds star, but Elland Road is his best move
- Robin Koch an unsung hero at right-back in Leeds’ final games of 21/22
French outlet Jeunes Footeux say Lille want £47.5million for David, after scoring 19 goals for Lille last season – three of which came in the Champions League. Jones says Villa could now pursue a deal for the 22-year-old.
“We know that they looked at the Luis Suarez situation. But Jonathan David is somebody that might come onto the radar, I’m told.That profile of player might be the path that they go down. So, it’s definitely one to look out for.”
Villa could turn attention to Lille striker David
STRANGEST Contracts In Football | Anti-Arsenal And Nightclub Clause?!
New-York born David has been a revelation in an ever-improving Ligue 1 division, scoring 32 goals in two seasons during 96 appearances. His second campaign in France has been excellent, despite still being only 22.
Villa do have options up top. Keinan Davis has returned after an excellent loan at Forest, Cameron Archer is a talent and Ings and Watkins are first choice. Even Bertrand Traore is able to play as a striker.
But if Villa are to go after another forward, David would be a superb signing. Is he worth the best part of £50million? No. But if Villa can engineer a deal in the region of £35million to £40million, it is good business.
In other news, ‘Unbelievable’: Carragher can’t believe Man United didn’t go out and get Spurs man