With time running out for clubs to bring in new talent before the January transfer window slams shut, there’s been a growing feeling that highly coveted Canadian forward Jonathan David will stay put in Ligue 1 with LOSC Lille. Maybe not.

Transfer reporter Dean Jones has suggested that the Canadian is high on Aston Villa’s wishlist. The reported price of £44 million (CAD $72.6 million) would be a record spend for Villa, something we rarely see in January from any club, but owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris have the resources and, now with Unai Emery in the dugout, have the ambition.

David has made no secret of his desire to test himself in the Premier League, should the right move present itself. Two sources familiar with David’s camp told Canadian Soccer Daily during the World Cup in Qatar that Aston Villa are on a list of several Premier League sides that the 22-year-old would consider.

Related read: Jonathan David stepping up again with scintillating Lille form after CanMNT World Cup disappointment

However, Jones has suggested that Lyon’s Moussa Dembele is likely to rank higher on Aston Villa’s priority list because his contract situation makes the Frenchman a cheaper buy this winter. The 26-year-old’s deal runs out at the end of this season so getting anything in return would be smart business for Lyon.

Villa sold Danny Ings to West Ham United earlier this month and while the club spent Alphonso Davies-level money on Colombian teenager Jhon Durán, the former Chicago Fire standout is a long-term project. Adding a new centre-forward this month that could contribute immediately would help Emery’s chances of a UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying place.

It was reported last May that Villa, along with fellow claret and blue-wearing Premier Leaguers West Ham, were looking to sign David in the summer. Neither club was willing to pay the reported €50 million (CAD $72.5 million) Lille desired at the time.

With David’s contract at Lille due to run out in June 2025, and with the Canadian forward boasting four goals from five games in 2023, club president Olivier Létang may not be able to cash out at any higher price if he hangs on to the Canadian for much longer.