Thierry Henry gives 'strong' verdict of £25m Newcastle United transfer target

LOSC Lille forward Jonathan David has emerged as a potential summer signing for Newcastle United. 24-year-old David already possesses a fine track record advancing through European football. With 266 appearances to his name for both KAA Gent and Lille, he has scored 121 goals whilst providing 33 assists.

Naturally this has earned him repetitive links to the Premier League, though the latest are bound to catch the attention of supporters on Tyneside with Newcastle the alleged interested party. This is the word of GiveMeSport, who claim that there are increasing 'glances' in his direction.

Drawing links, new sporting director Paul Mitchell has sound knowledge of the French market having spent three years in the same role at AS Monaco. David is said to have a £25m price tag with Lille ready to cash in before the expiry of his contract next year, and both Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are said to be tracking the scenario.

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When it comes to analysing strikers suitable for the Premier League, many in Newcastle will say there are not many better than Alan Shearer. That is why it is a shame the former Magpie does not provide Champions League analysis for CBS Sports, so instead Arsenal great Thierry Henry's analysis must suffice.

The Canadian international has also got the Frenchman's stamp of approval. Speaking back in February 2022, Henry waxed lyrical about his direct style of play and strength to beat opponents - something fans in the North East have grown accustomed to seeing with Alexander Isak in recent years.

"When you have a player like Jonathan David, who runs the way he does, in behind," said Henry. "His directness. Don’t ask him to come to play or assist because he has none this season. If he sees the centre-back dropping, then he will go in behind. But as soon as he sees there is a gap, he will run and he is also pretty strong too and he loves contacts."

Eddie Howe's options are still Isak and Callum Wilson, though the latter's future remains up for debate amid rumours of Saudi Pro League interest a year out from his contract's end date. An exit would likely prompt activity in the market before September's deadline day.