Newcastle United ‘could’ make an offer of over £50 million for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, according to a report in the Daily Express.

The Express states that [via L’Equipe] Newcastle have already made contact with Lyon regarding the availability of the 19-year-old. However, it is unclear as to how far these talks have progressed.

Additionally, while PSG have registered an interest Cherki, they appear unwilling to pay the asking price that Lyon have set. As things stand, Lyon appear unreceptive to bids lesser than £50 million.

Who else, besides Newcastle, is interested in Rayan Cherki?

While several clubs are likely interested in Cherki off the record, given his limitless potential in the modern game, Newcastle and PSG are the only clubs who have been explicitly linked with the player. Real Madrid were thought to be interested in Cherki back in the January transfer window, but nothing has been reported since then.

The Toon will need to flex their considerable financial muscles as much as possible if they want to beat the French giants to the punch. There are few clubs in world football that can currently match Newcastle in terms of wealth – but PSG are certainly one of them.

Rayan Cherki career summary

Cherki’s youth career began when he was just six years old, as he joined the academy of Saint-Priest in 2009. A year later, he made the jump to Lyon, where he has remained ever since.

He signed his first professional contract in 2019, making his senior team debut in the same year in a 0-0 draw against Dijon. Later in 2019, he made his Champions League debut in a game against Zenit.

Considered one of the greatest prospects in football at the moment, his quick feet and intricate dribbling make him a nightmare for defenders to deal with. He isn’t a major goalscorer, having just netted five in 83 games, but his raw technical ability gives him also unlimited potential.