Lyon are expecting “major offensives” from interested clubs for playmaker Rayan Cherki, according to Foot Mercato.

The French website reiterates reports from early last month that Newcastle are interested in snapping up the France Under 21 international.

Cherki is an attacking midfielder by trade, and it looks as if the Magpies are seriously considering him as an option after losing out on James Maddison and Dominik Szoboszlai.

The 19-year-old won’t be available on the cheap with it being reported that he could cost as much as €50m (£43m).

Other teams, including Chelsea, have also been credited with an interest in Cherki so the chances of getting the player for below his asking price are rather slim.

Cherki has the ability to excite Newcastle fans

Unless you watch Ligue One, supporters are unlikely to know too much about Cherki, but he is the type of player that gets people off their seats.

In September, the Breaking The Lines website posted an analysis of the teenager’s game, stating that his “strong frame and low centre of gravity” means that comparisons to Eden Hazard will be made.

They even say that there are clear “similarities” between the ex-Chelsea star’s style of play and that of Cherki.

He is unlikely to be a priority target

Although Foot Mercato seem to believe that the Magpies will make an approach for the Frenchman, sources in England tell a different story.

At the moment, the focus looks to be on signing a winger, with Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes the primary target. Talks over signing the 25-year-old have taken place but it remains to be seen if Newcastle will match the £35m asking price.

Of course, it doesn’t rule out the club moving for Cherki as well, although that may only open later in the transfer window when they have managed to balance the books.