Exclusive: Chelsea and Newcastle fly scouts to watch 'lethal' striker who could be available in January
Yesterday at 06:30 AM
- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Chelsea and Newcastle United shared the spoils in their recent double-header that involved both a Premier League and EFL Cup tie.
Chelsea won at home, as did Newcastle, and both sides will have their eye on a Champions League spot this season, even if that does appear as a tall order for Eddie Howe's team.
Enzo Maresca's side are fourth after 10 games have been played, but Newcastle are currently down in 10th, looking up at the likes of Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion.
| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 1 | LiverpoolLiverpool | 10 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 19 | 6 | 13 | 25 |
| 2 | Man CityManchester City | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 21 | 11 | 10 | 23 |
| 3 | Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 19 |
| 4 | ChelseaChelsea | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 20 | 12 | 8 | 18 |
| 5 | ArsenalArsenal | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 17 | 11 | 6 | 18 |
| 6 | Aston VillaAston Villa | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 17 | 15 | 2 | 18 |
| 7 | TottenhamTottenham | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 11 | 11 | 16 |
| 8 | BrightonBrighton | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 17 | 14 | 3 | 16 |
| 9 | B’mouthBournemouth | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 12 | 1 | 15 |
| 10 | NewcastleNewcastle | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 15 |
Of course, both sides might be in the market for a boost in January, especially Newcastle who failed to add the players Howe may have hoped for in the summer.
That being said, TBR Football understands that Chelsea and Newcastle were among the clubs in attendance to watch Jonathan David score for Lille last weekend.
Chelsea and Newcastle scouting Lille’s Jonathan David and Lyon star
David scored the opener in a 1-1 draw with Lyon, meaning he's now contributed seven goals in seven league starts for Lille this season.
Chelsea and Newcastle were among a host of clubs in attendance to watch the array of talent on display, a game in which David shone.
READ MORE: Chelsea & Newcastle interested in Premier League player who Carlo Ancelotti called 'complete'
Juventus were also in attendance to watch the 'lethal' striker who is on their radar, along with his teammate Edon Zhegrova.
Both English clubs were also there to keep a check on Lyon star Rayan Cherki, who the duo hold long-term interest in.
Cherki was linked with West Ham last summer, a move that never materialised.
However, the 21-year-old is clearly a player on a path to big things, a forward who has already contributed two goals and three assists this season.
Lille willling to sell Jonathan David in January
Harping back to David, the striker's contract is set to expire next summer, meaning he'll be looking for a new challenge.
David has told Lille he won't sign a new deal, meaning the French side would ideally like to sell the striker in January despite his goalscoring.
Lille don't want to lose David for nothing, and may be able to recoup some important funds by accepting defeat mid-season.
Therefore, that perhaps explains why both Chelsea and Newcastle are keeping a close watching eye.
Nicolas Jackson and Alexander Isak are doing a fine job respectively, but it could be perceived that both are lacking cover in terms of a typical number nine.
