Man Utd and Chelsea handed huge transfer boost as manager admits World Cup star could be sold

Manchester United and Chelsea have received a boost in their pursuit of Jonathan David after Lille manager Paulo Fonseca admitted the French club could struggle to keep hold of the striker.

The two Premier League clubs are reportedly keen to bolster their attacking options in the next transfer window.

Both sides have been linked with Lille forward David, who has scored nine goals in 16 Ligue 1 appearances this season.

In total, the Canada international has managed a return of 41 goals in 112 games for the French club since joining from Belgian side Gent in 2020.

David is under contract with Lille until 2025 but Fonseca admits the club could struggle to keep hold of the striker if one of Europe's top clubs comes calling.

"It will be difficult to keep Jonathan David at the club next season," Fonseca told La Voix des Sports.

"There are not many strikers with his skills and numbers in Europe. He’s just 22.

"I think top European clubs will try to sign Jonathan David."

David wants Premier League move

David recently put Premier League clubs on red alert by admitting he wants to play in England in the future.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world and every player would want to play there some day," he said.

United are keen to sign a new striker following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the club but reports claim the Glazers are reluctant to invest heavily in the January transfer window as they continue to seek a buyer for the club.

It is claimed United are only exploring loan deals in January, seemingly ruling out a January bid for David.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have been linked with a number of strikers after Armanda Broja was ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury.

However, the club's search for attacking reinforcements could now be over, with the club agreeing a deal to sign David Datro Fofana from Norwegian side Molde.

The Ivory Coast international, who turned 20 last week, is set to join Graham Potter's side in January.

Topics: Manchester United, Chelsea, Lille, Football, Premier League, Transfers, Ligue 1

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan