The free transfer addition that could boost Newcastle United in their ongoing PSR battle

Newcastle United are hoping to add to their attacking ranks during the January transfer window - and it is clear to see why such a move sits at the top of the Magpies agenda.

Despite Anthony Gordon’s ability to feature as a leading striker and the summer addition of Sheffield United youngster William Osula, there were some understandable concerns when the Magpies ventured into the new season with Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson as their only ‘out and out’ number nines. Those concerns were further raised with Wilson struggling to make a full recovery from a back injury suffered during the summer and, as it stands, the England international is yet to appear in any competition this season and is not expected to return until after the upcoming international break.

Wilson’s situation at St James Park is further complicated by the fact the former Bournemouth frontman will head into the final six months of his current deal on Tyneside when the January transfer window opens for business. That will mean a big decision lies in wait over his future as the Magpies must consider whether to cash in on the experienced striker or run the risk of losing him on a free transfer when his contract comes to an end next summer.

Curiously, one reported target and his current club find themselves in the same scenario with the winter months approaching and it is a situation Newcastle are believed to be monitoring closely. The future of Lille forward Jonathan David has been the subject of ongoing speculation for a number of months now and the Canada international has been widely linked with a move to the Premier League over the course of that time. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have all been suggested as potential destination - but the most recent reports suggested it was Newcastle that had opened talks with the forward ahead of a potential move. Italian news outlet CalcioMercato have reported Newcastle are ‘fascinated’ by David and are named as suitors alongside Serie A trio Roma, AC Milan and Napoli.

It should not be a surprise to see the Magpies considering a move for the Canada star. After all, his ability to function in a number of forward positions would fit in line with Eddie Howe’s desire for flexibility in the final third and an impressive total of 91 goals and 20 assists in 194 appearances in all competitions shows an impressive output and hints at an ability to step into the Premier League. Newcastle’s hopes of landing the in-demand forward will have been raised by his comments that the Premier League is ‘one of the best leagues in the world’ and his admission talks with Lille over a new deal are ongoing could well be viewed as a negotiating tactic.

Speaking to The Athletic last month, he said: “What am I waiting for? I guess now it’s easier to say. I’m in the last year of my contract. Eventually my contract is going to run out. Right now we’re speaking with the (Lille President Oliver Letang) about a possible extension. We’ll see how that goes. I’m open to anything. I think obviously the Premier League is regarded as one of the best league in the world. And for me it’s not the Premier League or bust. I’m open to anything and every league has its challenges.”

At the age of 24, David fits into United’s preferred age profile for new additions and fits the model they utilised when signing the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and David’s former Lille team-mate Sven Botman. Whether any move comes with a cut-price offer in January or a free transfer signing next summer, it would provide benefits in Newcastle’s ongoing battle with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations as they fill a shortcoming within their squad and do it at the fraction of the cost of some other reported targets.

They will have to see off competition from elsewhere and that will provide a significant challenge - but this feels like a wise move on a number of fronts as the Magpies look to continue their resurgance under Eddie Howe.