Lille president Olivier Letang has indicated that they will not sell Jonathan David during the winter transfer window, even as he continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United.
David has been mentioned to be on United’s radar at various points of his career but a transfer has proved elusive.
As recently as in the summer, it was suggested United could make a swoop for him but the club switched their attention to Joshua Zirkee.
However, with Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund still proving unable to shoulder the burden of regularly finding the back of the net for the club, it’s believed that a new striker could be eyed. In addition to David, another player wanted by United is Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres.
The Red Devils will almost certainly face stiff competition for Gyokeres, who will also likely cost a huge sum of money. If these factors are taken into consideration, David – who is set to be a free agent in June when his contract with Lille expires – becomes a far more attractive option.
David has once again been in terrific form for Lille this season, plundering an impressive 11 goals in 15 appearances across Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Including qualifying rounds for the latter competitions, he has notched 13 goals and two assists in 19 matches.
A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United were weighing up a cut-price January move for David.
However, Ruben Amorim’s side are poised to be disappointed, if the latest comments made by Lille president Olivier Letang are anything to go by.
Letang told After Foot RMC (via SportsMole), “We are not going to sell him in January and we have not received any offer for him.”
“Jonathan’s situation is super simple. We are very happy to have you with us. Last off season he had one year left on his contract. We could qualify for the Champions League. When you have a guy who scores 20-25 goals a season. We had no obligation to sell him.”
“He is a player who scores between 20 and 25 goals and qualifies for the Champions League. Plus, Jonathan loves Lille which is his club. Our position was very clear from the beginning, we think of the athlete.”
“Obviously, he already has an offer that is in his hands, the ball is in his court.”
Other clubs thought to be in the race to land David include Barcelona, Arsenal and Juventus.
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
