United left in the rearview as rival European club push ahead with €35m ‘free’ deal for prolific striker target – report

Juventus look set to snap up Manchester United target Jonathan David on a free, though the move won’t come without significant hidden costs.

Heading into the summer transfer window, addressing the team’s lack of goals was Ruben Amorim’s top objective. United have already announced the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers while talks remain ongoing to try and strike a deal with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo.

But United’s ambitions don’t end there, with a striker also on the agenda. Rasmus Hojlund endured another difficult campaign and it appears his time at Old Trafford could be coming to an end, as he continues to be linked with a return to Italy.

Having missed out on their first-choice target Liam Delap, who chose Chelsea instead, United have been forced to broaden their search, and that’s where David enters the picture.

A prolific striker with an enviable record, David has long been on United’s watchlist, but a switch has never materialised. With his free-agent status, however, this summer looked like the ideal chance to make it happen.

But other suitors have joined the fray, and Juventus currently seem best placed to land him.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that David had reached an agreement with Juventus over personal terms.

More details have now surfaced about the costs involved, which could clarify why United didn’t pursue David more aggressively.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the only thing holding up David’s move to Juventus is final approval on the agent commission fee.

David’s camp are fully aware Juventus are not paying Lille a transfer fee, so they’re demanding a hefty commission to “grease the deal.” In addition to a €12m commission, the player’s camp also want a signing bonus, which is not unusual for free transfers.

CDS note, “All in, including gross salary (€13 million), commissions (€12 million) and the bonus (around €10 million), the deal would cost €35 million for the first season, plus another €50 million in gross wages over the full five-year contract.”

Juventus are negotiating with David and his representatives to drive this figure down as much as they can.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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