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Lille willing to let players leave this summer after West Ham interest in Jonathan David
Lille are reportedly ready to sell some of their best players this summer, this comes after West Ham were reportedly keen on striker Jonathan David in January.
David, 22, has 26 goals in 71 appearances for the French side and was an integral part of their 2020/21 title-winning side.
The Canada international was linked with the Hammers in January as on 21 December, ExWHUemployee reported that he was on the club’s radar for the winter transfer window.
There was talk by his agent that he would be allowed to leave in the summer [Radio Canada] and today Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Lille are already prepared to sell some players this summer.
“Jonathan David’s rise from 2018 has been excellent and top clubs have his name on the list.”
Romano added that David is valued at £42.1million by Lille.
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West Ham clearly need to strengthen in the striker department with Michail Antonio being overplayed this season due to there being no adequate competition.
With Andriy Yarmolenko likely to leave the club [Evening Standard], it could certainly pave the way for another attacking addition to come through the door at the London Stadium.
David would certainly be a different option to Antonio up-front but given his 17 goals, £42.1million price tag and potential demands for Champions League football, it is perhaps a move that West Ham may not be able to pull off at present.
West Ham’s fortunes in the Europa League could play a huge part in the calibre of striker they wish to bring into the club in the summer.
Rumours of Blackburn’s Ben Brereton-Diaz [TeamTalk] and Hull’s Keane Lewis-Potter [Roshane Thomas] have emerged but if the Hammers can attain Champions League football, then names such as David could genuinely be considered.
Another season with Michail Antonio carrying all the striking responsibilities will make it all but impossible for the Hammers to repeat their phenomenal 2021/22 season.
In other West Ham news, West Ham must stop Frankfurt wingback Filip Kostic if they want to return to Sevilla.
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