Jonathan David to Newcastle? ‘That deal is done’
Lille striker Jonathan David ‘knows where he’s going next’ amid transfer interest from Newcastle United.
Speaking on the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former Leeds United and Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson outlined that the striker must know where his future lies by now.
David is out of contract with Lille this summer, and has made an impressive return of 25 goals and 12 assists in 48 outings across all competitions this term.
It is no surprise, then, that the Canada international has attracted plenty of transfer interest, including from both Newcastle and Premier League rivals West Ham.
David will ‘only end up at Newcastle if Isak leaves’
While the Magpies are interested in David’s services, he may not be keen on deputising for star man Alexander Isak in the North East.
| Alexander Isak stats | 2024/25 Premier League |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Goals | 23 |
| Assists | 6 |
Speaking on the Inside Track, Robinson said: “He’s linked to everybody. You look at the reports, you look at the press, and you just Google his name. He’s linked to every single club. West Ham, Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle, Manchester United, just to name a handful that he’s been linked to within the Premier League.
“A player doesn’t let his contract run down. He doesn’t leave a club on a free at this stage of the season unless he knows where he’s going next. That deal, wherever it is done, is done. In the same way as Trent Alexander-Arnold, you don’t leave your contract to run down and go without having a destination in mind.
“Eddie Howe plays with one striker and that’s Isak. The only way that he ends up for me at Newcastle is if Isak leaves. He’ll ask do I want to go to Newcastle? Yeah, opportunity with Champions League football, a club that’s growing, the wages are going to be fantastic. But what opportunity am I going to get to play? I may play in the early rounds of the Champions League. I may play in some domestic cups…It’s not an attractive proposition.
“I’m not comparing Tottenham to Newcastle, but it’s the same as what Tottenham had for years. How do you get a second striker to Harry Kane?“
Aston Villa set sights on Harvey Barnes
As alluded to by Robinson, Newcastle may be unlikely to land David’s signature, as the Canada international will likely be unwilling to deputise for Isak, while several parties are interested in his services.
But the Magpies are intent on bringing three new signings to St James’ Park this summer, including a defender and a right-sided forward.
However, while Howe’s men are keen to recruit fresh talent ahead of next season, they could also look to move some of their current assets on to balance the books.
With that in mind, the North East club could look to sell Harvey Barnes, even though he has performed well throughout Anthony Gordon’s injury struggles.
Aston Villa have eyed Barnes as a potential alternative to Marcus Rashford, in case they cannot land the services of the man on loan from Manchester United permanently.
Rashford has impressed at Villa Park, but is keen on joining Barcelona instead of remaining in the West Midlands.