Man Utd want to sign Real Madrid's PERFECT Benzema replacement

Cameron Smith

• 8 Jan 2024 13:14 GMT
• 4 min read

Manchester United have identified Lille forward Jonathan David as a viable transfer target for the January window, FootballTransfers understands.

The Canada international was expected to leave the Ligue 1 club during the summer after an outstanding 2022-23 season, but an acceptable offer was not lodged and he stayed put.

However, Man Utd and Aston Villa are now both interested in signing David as they look to add firepower to their respective squads.

Erik ten Hag's side signed Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta during the summer transfer window, but he has only scored one Premier League goal so far this campaign.

The Denmark international did bag five during the Champions League group stages, however his domestic form hasn't been up to scratch.

Man Utd reportedly have full faith in the 20-year-old, but we have been told that David is being pursued as someone who can provide Ten Hag with another option through the middle.

We understand that AC Milan are also keen on landing David, but the Canadian has his heart set on a move to the Premier League. The 23-year-old has five goals and one assist in 14 Ligue 1 starts so far this season.

Barcelona also interested

In addition to Man Utd, Aston Villa and AC Milan, Barcelona have also named David as one of three potential new forward additions as they look to slowly move on from Robert Lewandowski, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.

RB Leipzig’s Lois Openda, Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez and David have been sounded out as three possible replacements for the Poland international.

Jonathan David - Wanted by Man Utd, but perfect for Real Madrid?

Although Man Utd are pursuing David, Real Madrid would actually represent a better destination for the 23-year-old, according to data analytics experts SciSports.

In fact, Carlo Ancelotti’s side rank as David’s best possible next step if he is to leave Lille, as per SciSports’ Career Advice tool.

Los Blancos have a Club Fit Score of 88, which is better than any other club in world football.

Paris Saint-Germain rank second, while Aston Villa are third, suggesting their pursuit makes perfect sense.

Man Utd would be David’s seventh-best choice when it comes to picking his next move, behind Newcastle United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Real Madrid have altered their system this season, following the departure of Karim Benzema, with Jude Bellingham being used in an advanced midfield role and Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo playing as split strikers.

If David were to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu, however, then he would fill the void that has been left by Benzema. Kylian Mbappe has also been linked with this vacant space in Real Madrid's starting XI, although his transfer future remains unknown.