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Sources: Man United and Newcastle United plotting to sign French sensation Rayan Cherki
Man United and Newcastle are keeping tabs on Lyon star Rayan Cherki ahead of a potential swoop in 2024, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League duo are both long-term admirers of the highly-rated 20-year-old.
Cherki, who is enduring a tough season with last-place Lyon in Ligue 1, is out of contract at his boyhood club in June 2025.
He has made 10 appearances totalling 578 minutes of action this season, notching one assist.
Despite his tender age, he has already racked up 112 appearances across all competitions for Lyon, contributing 14 goals and 17 assists.
Cherki is also a regular feature for Thierry Henry’s France Under-21 side and has grabbed four goals and three assists in their last three qualifiers.
He has 11 goals in 18 total appearances for Les Espoirs.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that both Man United and Newcastle feel Cherki could be a shrewd signing and see him as a “potential star in the making”.
He signed his most recent contract extension at Lyon earlier this year but that agreement has just over 18 months left to run.
Cherki can play in attacking midfield as well as on both flanks.
Lyon sit bottom of Ligue 1 on four points having yet to win a game this season.
Man United already have several young attackers in their squad, including Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri, but are nonetheless keen on Cherki.
Newcastle have placed a new focus on top talent since their Saudi-based takeover, with the likes of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall currently flourishing at St James’ Park.
In other news, big update on Man United potentially sacking Erik ten Hag.