Report: Aston Villa steal a march on Newcastle United in pursuit of £43m striker

Aston Villa have 'initiated contact' with Canadian striker Jonathan David who is also wanted by Newcastle United.

Newcastle are one of several clubs keeping tabs on 24-year-old striker Jonathan David of Lille, but it's being reported by Birmingham World that Aston Villa have made the first move.

Other reports claim that Brentford are eyeing David as their replacement for Ivan Toney who seems almost certain to leave this summer.

Newcastle desperately need another striker this summer

The Magpies are desperate for at least one new striker this summer, possibly two if the club decides to cash in on Callum Wilson while they still can.

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It's believed that David will cost around €50million (£43million) this summer, which for a striker of his reputation is not too bad at all.

This season, David has bagged 13 goals and provided six assists in 30 games for Lille. Hardly mind-blowing figures, but the fact that he's made 30 appearances without his limbs popping off like the panels of a clown car puts him ahead of both of our boys.

Last season's figures show what Jonathan David is capable of

However, last season he managed 26 goals and four assists in 40 appearances, which shows that he's definitely got the touch.

He'd be an absolutely outstanding addition to our squad, but it now looks like we're going to have our work cut out for us if we are serious about signing him.

Hopefully, the uncertainty around Dan Ashworth isn't going to affect our summer business too much and we can still work on things well before the window opens.