- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that one Ligue 1 striker is emerging as an attractive option for several Premier League sides who are keen on a forward this summer.
Manchester United, Chelsea, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are among the sides who are understood to be keen on a striker and one option has emerged.
It is our understanding that LOSC Lille striker Jonathan David is emerging as an attractive candidate for these clubs as they believe he could be available for as little as £30 million.
The Canadian striker has long been a player of interest to clubs in England and HITC is told the player would ‘love the chance’ to play in the Premier League, although there is also interest from Italy, Germany and Spain.
David’s impressive form for Lille
The Canadian forward has been very impressive since moving to the French league from Belgian side Gent, with 71 goals to his name in 146 games for Lille. He has never failed to hit double figures in his career which is an impressive return.
David, 24, has just one-year left on his contract in France and he has made it clear he is ready to depart, and Lille president Olivier Letang admitted earlier this month that he and Leny Yoro would likely leave.
HITC understands that Yoro is attracting interest from Liverpool and Manchester United but the teenager’s preference is understood to be Real Madrid.
For David, HITC can reveal that talks between intermediaries and a host of Premier League clubs have taken place for the Canadian forward.
Manchester United advancing in talks for Canadian forward
Chelsea, United, Tottenham and West Ham have all had conversations – ranging in-depth and strength about David ahead of a potential summer move.
Clubs believe £30 million, or potentially less would be enough to get a deal done. Chelsea have David on their list of potential number nine options as do Tottenham, who are understood to be long-term admirers of the Canadian.
United are understood to be advancing in talks for the Canadian striker and David is someone that the scouts have been aware of and have liked for over 12 months now.
The Red Devils have also engaged in talks with Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee with HITC understanding that United want a ‘significant alternative’ to Rasmus Hojlund and both David and Zirkzee represent that.
As well as this, we can confirm Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United have also had contact, but they have not held talks to this point.
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