Aston Villa could be set to turn their attention towards Lille starlet Jonathan David, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.
What’s the word?
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider revealed that the Midlands side could potentially make a move for the 22-year-old this summer, having seemingly missed out on (or opted against) a deal for veteran striker, Luis Suarez.
Should Villa sign Jonathan David?
Not for me!
Yes!
Amid reports linking the Canadian to Villa Park, Crook stated: “We know that obviously, 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 because Aston Villa still have spending power in this market.”
The Premier League outfit are believed to have a longstanding interest in the former Gent ace stretching back to his days in Belgium, although are yet to make an official approach to his current side.
Major coup
Although any deal certainly won’t come cheap – with the highly-rated prospect valued at around £40.5m as per Transfermarkt – should NSWE be able to flex their financial muscle again and bring the youngster to the club it would no doubt represent a significant coup for the ambitious outfit.
Amid problems in attack for Steven Gerrard’s side, with Ollie Watkins top-scoring with just 11 goals in all competitions last term, a move for David would seemingly be a notable solution to those goalscoring woes, with the £35k-per-week marksman having been in explosive form in recent seasons.
Plucked by his current side two years ago, the Brooklyn-born menace has since gone on to score 32 goals and provide five assists in 96 games in all competitions in France, notably bagging 28 league goals across the last two seasons combined.
His tally of 15 top-flight goals last term was only bettered by four players in the division, while the 5 foot 11 speedster also boasts an outstanding record at international level, having scored 20 goals in just 20 appearances thus far.
A key component of the Canada side that has qualified for this year’s World Cup for the first time since 1986, the “fearless” forward – as dubbed by national team coach John Herdman – is currently thriving for both club and country, with a major move to help progress his career seemingly on the cards.
Joining a side that finished in the bottom half of the Premier League last season may appear something of a backwards step, although Gerrard and co are seemingly gearing up for a major assault on the European qualification spots next term, with four major signings under their belt already.
Despite his youth, David could well be the figurehead of that side, while his potential arrival could prove another notable statement of intent from the Villans.
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