EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd target move for Lyon wonderkid Rayan Cherki

Steve Kay

• Updated: 26 Dec 2023 10:02 GMT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Lyon star Rayan Cherki is on Manchester United’s radar as they prepare for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to join the club, FootballTransfers understand.

The 20-year-old has been linked with a Premier League move for several years, but Ratcliffe’s imminent arrival has seen the Red Devils identify Cherki as a key transfer target.

We have been told that Ratcliffe would like to bring Cherki to Old Trafford in 2024, although Man Utd’s interest in the Frenchman has been present for a while.

Ratcliffe is currently the owner of Ligue 1 club OGC Nice and his links in France may help their pursuit of Cherki.

The attacking midfielder, who can play as a right winger, has made 17 appearances for Lyon this season, but he is yet to score his first goal of the campaign. He does have two assists, however.

Cherki has mostly played in a No.10 position for Lyon this season, but he would likely be used on the right flank if he does join Man Utd, due to the presence of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount.

Antony currently occupies that role at Old Trafford, but is also yet to score this season, with his most recent Man Utd goal coming back in April.

Man Utd want a new forward

While Cherki is on Man Utd’s radar, Erik ten Hag is also eyeing a new centre-forward in a bid to provide Rasmus Hojlund with some support.

Timo Werner, Serhou Guirassy and Donyell Malen have all been linked, while reintegrating Mason Greenwood is an option too.

He is currently on loan at La Liga club Getafe, but we understand that many board members and the women’s team don’t want him anywhere near the club.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have recently been touted to pursue Greenwood, and Getafe also want to sign him permanently if that becomes an option.