Newcastle United transfer move should provide summer excitement ahead of Liverpool audition

In what is proving to be another testing transfer window, Newcastle United are rightly looking at what shrewd business they can conduct once the summer market gets under way. With Profit and Sustainability Rules [PSR] continuing to wreak havoc with Premier League clubs and their ambition, there's a few potential bargains available on a free come the end of the current campaign - and Newcastle know it.

One exciting talent attracting a wealth of interest in his signature is Lille forward Jonathan David. The 25-year-old has already been courted by Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool but Newcastle are making their intentions clear in a bid to beat the chasing pack to a monumental free transfer.

Chronicle Live understands the Magpies had scouts in attendance for Lille's 2-1 victory over Nice in recent days, where David played the entire 90 minutes, without finding the net, helping his side keep their Champions League push on track.

The Canadian international is set to leave Lille at the end of the current campaign as his agent, Nikos Mavromaras, gets to work assessing potential destinations for one of Europe's hottest properties. For David, there is only one ideal location in his mind - and it gives Newcastle a fighting chance.

"I don't know if I can find myself anywhere other than the Premier League," he said during an interview with the Athletic back in 2022.

Those comments - and David's 13 goal contributions in 18 Ligue 1 games this term - has caused that hefty, aforementioned attention in the striker's services, with Newcastle facing a tough battle to land the attacking target.

Where Eddie Howe's side finish this term will ultimately play a huge part in their chances, with David himself eyeing a place in Europe's premier competitions. Recent history shows just how much Champions League football can impact a player's transfer decision-making.

To name just a few examples, Liverpool fended off interest to win the race for Giorgi Mamardashvili and Dominik Szoboszlai in recent windows, while this month Manchester City will sign two Newcastle targets - Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov - as they bid to stay above the Magpies in the table.

Howe, Paul Mitchell and the Newcastle fanbase know this. However, it is refreshing to see the club showing ambition - and some forward planning - while also trying to combat strict PSR spending limits by targeting the free agent market. Going head to head with their top flight rivals for targets of real quality additions has to be the norm going forward.

Lille take on Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday, with David expected to play a starring role at Anfield. You would not be surprised if Newcastle have more recruitment staff in attendance, while the Reds' own scouting contingent will be playing close attention to the opposition striker as he auditions for a move.

For now, Newcastle's powder is expected to be kept dry this month, with outgoings more likely than incomings. With the St James' Park outfit's financial picture set to look healthier come July 1, there is expectation that a big summer of spending is in the offing.

Adding David into the mix on a free would start the window off with a bang, while potentially taking the club to the next level on the pitch. Whether they land the in-form, sought-after target is another thing - but it's positive to see Newcastle's decision makers targeting these type of deals given their financial limitations at present.