West Ham appear to have found a number one transfer target.West Ham appear to have found a number one transfer target.
West Ham appear to have found a number one transfer target. | Getty Images
Lille striker Jonathan David is being courted by several Premier League clubs ahead of a summer move as a free agent.
West Ham have tabled an ‘irresistible offer’ to Lille striker Jonathan David ahead of the striker becoming a free agent this summer and seeking a new club.
The Hammers have been regularly linked with the 25-year-old but face stiff competition from Premier League rivals. Last week, it was claimed that West Ham were ‘fearful’ they could lose the transfer race despite the player’s agent flying out to the London Stadium to watch the clash with Newcastle United earlier this month.
However, in a fresh report from Spanish outlet Sport, it seems that West Ham are making strong moves to land the player. The outlet focuses on a lack of Barcelona interest in David and adds that his future ‘will be in the Premier League’ where there is an ‘irresistible financial offer’ already waiting from the Hammers.
West Ham face competition for Lille free agent
The report adds that there are more teams in the Premier League interested in David from mid-table and up. Fichajes has recently named Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are other clubs monitoring a free transfer for the talisman.
David began his career at Gent in Belgium before making the move to Lille in 2020. The striker has spent five years with the club but is now able to strike a pre-contract agreement with a new outfit given that his contract runs out at the end of the season.
The striker has plundered 23 goals in all competitions so far this season. He would arrive in the Premier League with Champions League, Europa League and Conference League experience.
Graham Potter has a shortage of striking options at his disposal. The £27 million Niclas Fullkrug has been injury ridden while Michail Antonio wasn’t at his prolific best even before his horror injury in a car crash. Meanwhile, Mohammed Kudus is all too aware of his lack of form himself while Evan Ferguson is only on loan from Brighton and is set to return to the AMEX at the end of the season.
Jonathan David confirms transfer plan
Speaking in February, David said: “Yes, I’ll leave on a free transfer at the end of the season. And as far as my future, I hope to grow. To become better, and play at the top clubs in the world, if I can.
“First of all, though, I just want to enjoy myself. And never forget that football is about fun.
“You’ll all know [my destination] when the time is right. That’s at the end of the season. I’m not going to comment before then. First of all, I want to end this season well. The finale promises to be exciting, and I want to play well and help the team out. Then when the season is over, my decision will be made and announced.”
In other news, this is how West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal fare in a new look Premier League table without VAR following the Goodison Park controversy.
Related topics:Premier LeagueWest HamChelsea
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