Ruben Amorim needs to win the Europa League if he has any chance of signing Jonathan David.
The Manchester United boss needs serious support from Sir Jim Ratcliffe if the Premier League giants are to re-establish themselves as one of football's best. One of the problems within United's squad is the lack of a reliable goalscorer, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to impress in front of goal this season.
Lille striker David has been touted as a target but Amorim will face stiff competition for the Canadian international's signature. Newcastle United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Liverpool have all been strongly linked with the 25-year-old. The Magpies also reportedly sent scouts to watch the striker in action, further increasing the pressure on United to reach a deal quickly.
David has scored 17 goals in 30 games this season and would prefer to play Champions League football if he were to leave the Ligue 1 club. But it seems impossible for Amorim to finish in the top four this season, as his club sits in thirteenth place.
Winning the Europa League is likely United's only chance to sign David, as qualifying for the Champions League is an added bonus to lifting the European trophy. David's agent, Nikos Mavromaras, has reportedly told sources close to the striker that he is open to options across Europe.
While there has been speculation about the striker's future for a number of seasons, Lille chairman Olivier Letang admitted the club do not want to sell him despite his contract expiring this summer.
He said in November: “We are not going to sell him in January and we have not received an offer for him. Jonathan's situation is super simple. We are very happy that you are with us. Last season he had one year left on his contract stood still.
“We could qualify for the Champions League. If you have a guy who scores 20 to 25 goals a season. We were not obliged to sell him. He is a player who scores between 20 and 25 goals and qualifies for the Champions League. Champions League.”
“Moreover, Jonathan loves Lille, his club. Our position was very clear from the beginning, we think about the athlete. It is clear that he already has an offer (contract) in his hands, the ball is in his court.” United are currently unbeaten in the league this season, having won three games and drawn three in their opening six matches.
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