Newcastle are one of five clubs pursuing Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, according to TuttoJuve.com.

The Italian website reports that the Magpies have been joined by Chelsea, Juventus, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid in “following” the France Under 21 international.

Cherki has been linked with a switch to St James’ Park over the past six months but his asking price was said to be around €50m (£43m).

However, TuttoJuve claim that the 20-year-old “could move next summer” for half that fee (€25m/£22m), which has led to interest “growing” in the player once again.

Why has Cherki’s asking price come down?

There are two key reasons why the Frenchman is available so cheap. He will have one year left on his contract at the end of the season so Lyon may have no choice but to sell for a cut-price.

Secondly, and more importantly, you have to look at Cherki’s form. He is part of a team who have not won any of their first eight fixtures in Ligue One this campaign (3 draws and 5 defeats).

During that time, the midfielder has not scored or provided a single assist, despite starting 6 of those matches.

Cherki’s form for France is likely to be attracting the attention of Newcastle

While his performances for Lyon have not been up to the required standard, it is a very different story at international level.

Playing for France’s Under 21s, Cherki bagged a goal in the 2-1 victory over Bosnia last week. He followed that up with a brace and 3 assists as his team won 9-0 against Cyprus on Tuesday night.

If the playmaker can begin to replicate that sort of form for his club between now and the end of the season, teams like Newcastle will be scrambling for his signature.

You can watch the documentary – Newcastle United: The Road Back To Europe on Shots! TV here