Manchester United face competition from several Premier League rivals to sign one of their summer targets
Manchester United are busy putting the final touches on their preparations for Thursday’s huge Europa League clash with Real Sociedad. The Red Devils drew 1-1 in the first leg, with their season hinging on advancing into the quarter finals of the competition.
A tough run in the league has left United well out of contention for a European spot next season but they can still qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League. If they can get past Sociedad, a clash with Ligue 1 side Lyon or FCSB awaits in the last eight. Lyon are currently 3-1 up after their first leg.
United’s summer plans will be defined by their success in the Europa League, as qualification for the Champions League will bolster revenue and provide the club with an extra incentive to offer to transfer targets. It is likely United will still need to be in a position to sell some of their players before they can start to spend transfer funds.
United ‘target’ agent’s visits West Ham
One player who is set to be in demand this summer is Lille striker Jonathan David. He is set to be available on a free transfer as he runs down his contract with Lille and in a fresh report from Spain late last week, it was claimed five Premier League clubs are in for him.
Fichajes reported Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea and Newcastle United were all keen on bringing David to the Premier League but in a fresh update another top-flight English side has appeared to move ahead in the transfer chase.
Providing an update on the West Ham Way, ExWHUEmployee claimed that David’s agent was at the London Stadium on Monday night as the Hammers played Newcastle in the Premier League. He said: “Jonathan David’s agent was in attendance on Monday night, which we understand was the club wooing his team of representatives as we try and land the player as a signing this summer. David is known to be a key target for Potter and his team, with him seen as an ideal fit for the system the boss wants to play. The fact he also speaks fluent English and he’s a free transfer, meaning the club can table a lucrative package to their parties to try and strike a deal.”
The report further claimed that while West Ham are seeking to do all they cane to sign the player, a deal for the Hammers has been branded as tough because of interest from other clubs.
David is exactly what United need
Given United’s current financial situation, a free transfer for a player of David’s quality is exactly the type of deal the club would love to complete this summer. United have issues in front of goal, with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund scoring just five times in the Premier League between them. This season, the Red Devils have found the net just 34 times in 28 games and have a goal difference of minus six.
David has scored 14 goals in 23 Ligue 1 games this term, providing three assists. While it could be argued the Premier League is a step up from the French top flight, David has showcased his ability in the Champions League with seven goals and two assists in 10 games. Lille exited the competition this week as they lost 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund over two legs in the round of 16. Lille had beaten Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the league phase, with David scoring three goals in two games against the sides from the Spanish capital. He also scored at Anfield as Lille lost 2-1 to Liverpool.
In other news, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are targeting a ‘consistent’ United star with 27 international caps.