Newcastle set to launch striker bid after 18-month pursuit - Report

Newcastle are reportedly set to pitch an offer to one of European football’s top soon-to-be free agents, though face a major uphill battle to bring the player to Tyneside.

Competing with the likes of Barcelona for the player’s signature, it’s hoped that the current Newcastle project, plus the growth and development of Alexander Isak as a case study for individual success, could be enough of an allure.

But most importantly, securing Champions League football will make or break any potential negotiations, for this player in particular as well as others available on the market this summer.

An 18-month pursuit nearing its climax

It’s understood that Newcastle are ready to pitch a move to St James’ Park for Lille striker Jonathan David.

The Canadian forward, currently enjoying the best season of his career in Ligue 1, has been the subject of nearly two years of extensive scouting by Newcastle’s agents.

Scott Wilson of the Northern Echo writes on the club’s interest: “Newcastle have scouted him extensively over the course of the last 18 months, and while they will almost certainly have to secure qualification for the Champions League to have any chance of luring him to Tyneside, they are ready to make a pitch in an attempt to persuade him to head to St James’ Park.”

What’s the likelihood of success?

Wilson reports that Champions League football is seemingly a non-negotiable if Newcastle are going to be able to convince David to make the move to the North East.

With David having recently expressed his desire to play in La Liga, Eddie Howe’s side will find themselves unfancied compared to the likes of Barcelona, who are also in the race for David’s services, alongside ‘Big Six’ sides Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

With Conference League football at a minimum secured on Tyneside, a fifth place finish in the Premier League is all but officially guaranteed Champions League qualification for an English team: a spot Newcastle currently finds itself just below in 6th place behind Chelsea and Manchester City.

The appeal of Alexander Isak

One trump card that Newcastle does have in negotiations that not many other clubs can come close to boasting is none other than Alexander Isak; who scored a stunning goal for Sweden last night.

It’s believed that Newcastle chiefs can use the forward as a potential ‘case study’ for the development any player can go through by joining Eddie Howe’s side.

Transformed from a young up-and-coming talent into arguably the most complete forward in the Premier League, could David be tempted to follow in Isak’s footsteps and become one of the world’s top attackers, a direct product of the Newcastle project?

That may be Newcastle's logic, but the reality is he'd surely struggle for guaranteed starts if Isak stays and Howe sticks by a 4-3-3 formation. Given the level of interest he'll receive, that puts us in a tough position to attract the Canadian.