Man United 'explored' Ligue 1 striker signing before Joshua Zirkzee capture

Manchester United reportedly explored the possibility of signing Lille striker Jonathan David before the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee.

The 24-year-old has been a standout player for Les Dogues since securing a move to the French club from Gent in Belgium during the summer window of 2020.

David has featured in 190 matches for Lille across all competitions, finding the net on 87 occasions, boasting one of best ratios of goalscoring in European football.

After scoring 32 times in his first two campaigns at the club, the forward has bagged 26 in each of the last two campaigns for the 2020-21 Ligue 1 winners.

Netting 29 times from 56 appearances for Canada, David is also a staple on the international scene and will hope to fire his nation to success at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

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Man United explored deal for Lille's David?

According to ESPN via The Sun, Man United were interested in securing the services of Lille marksman David during the recent summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Red Devils had the 24-year-old on a striker shortlist, with the player available for a cut-price fee of just £25m.

It is understood that Ivan Toney was also on United's shopping list, although they are said to have deemed a deal for the Brentford man too expensive.

England's penalty master has since sealed a lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Ahli paying £40m for the signature of the forward.

It remains to be seen whether the Red Devils resume their hunt for David in January, when the Canadian will be able to sign pre-contract agreements ahead of his contract expiration at Lille in the summer.

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Italian interest and Zirkzee comparisons

As well as Erik ten Hag's side, it is believed that Serie A giants Juventus and Inter Milan are preparing a pre-contract swoop for David.

Instead of finalising a deal for the 24-year-old, Man United instead secured the services of Zirkzee from Bologna for a fee of £36m in total.

The capture of the Netherlands international paid off in the short term, with the attacker netting the winner on his competitive debut against Fulham during the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

However, it is hard to argue that Zirkzee possesses greater goalscoring credentials than David, something that could come back to bite Man United in the future.

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