'Sources expect' - Sky journo drops huge update on reported NUFC target with 16 goals in 2021/22

Reported Newcastle target Jonathan David wants to leave Lille this summer, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

Calciomercato reported last week that Newcastle, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund were all seriously interested in signing David. The 22-year-old Canadian has split his minutes between the centre-forward and second striker roles so far this season.

Newcastle tried to do business with Lille in January, pursuing a deal for centre-back Sven Botman, but found the reigning French champions to be difficult negotiating partners (via The Athletic).

Plettenberg took to Twitter on Monday afternoon to reveal that David is eager to move on from Lille in the summer, although there has seemingly been no contact yet with Newcastle regarding the 22-year-old.

The journalist outlined: “The 22 y/o striker wants to leave Lille in summer. No release clause. Sources expect a price tag around €45-55m. His new club should play Champions League next season. No contact with #NUFC so far. Too expensive for the Bundesliga.”

The quoted fee of €45m to €55m  equates to between £37.5m and £45.8m, and although Newcastle may yet initiate contact regarding the player, his preference for Champions League football could preclude them from signing him this year.

David looks like a magnificent talent. He has hit 16 goals in 35 appearances so far this season, all the more impressive considering that Ligue 1 champions Lille have tumbled down towards mid-table.

Three of his goals came in the Champions League group stage, helping Lille to set up a round of 16 clash with holders Chelsea.

The Guardian’s Ed Aarons says that the Canadian has ‘his sights on the very top’, while CBS Sports’ James Benge has dubbed him ‘one of the most wanted strikers