Manchester United given green light to sign world-class striker for free

The 2024/25 Ligue 1 season came to an end on Saturday, and for Jonathan David it marked the end of an era.

After five successful years at Lille, the Canada international made his 232nd and final appearance for the club, starting their 2-1 win over Stade Reims.

The striker's contract is up at the end of the season and he confirmed during the week that he will be leaving the club when it expires.

In an emotional video montage he shared on his Instagram page, David said: "I wanted you [the fans] to hear from me. After five years at the club, it is time to say goodbye."

David was substituted with 73 minutes on the clock and received a standing ovation from Lille's supporters, who watched him score 109 goals for the club after arriving from Belgian club Gent in 2020. He was visibly emotional as he walked off the pitch, taking his time to applaud each corner of the stadium.

Amid his contract situation, David has been linked with a plethora of big-name European clubs over the last few months, including Barcelona, Inter Milan, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester United.

United, of course, plan to sign a striker in this summer's transfer window and have earmarked Ipswich Town ace Liam Delap as their prime target. Both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have failed to deliver the goods this season and United's need for a new goal-getter has never been greater.

Delap will be available for £30million this summer via a release clause that has become active as a result of Ipswich being relegated straight back to the Championship. Despite their collective struggles, Delap has scored a respectable 12 goals in his first full season as a Premier League player.

Earning plenty of credit for that return, the theory is that he