Man Utd enter race for out-of-favour Chelsea target
Tom Weber
- 7 Nov 2023 03:33 CST
- 3 min read
Manchester United have joined the long list of clubs credited with an interest in out-of-favour Lyon wonderkid Rayan Cherki, according to a report.
After showing plenty of promise last season, the 20-year-old is enduring a torrid campaign this time around. A unique talent with a lot of potential, Cherki has been given harsh treatment by new Lyon boss Fabio Grosso as the Ligue 1 giants languish at the foot of the table.
The Italian World Cup winner has insisted that Cherki is "not special" and after hooking him at half-time against fellow strugglers Clermont Foot, the youngster was dropped from Lyon's matchday squad for their rivalry match with Marseille, which ultimately had to be postponed due to attacks on the Lyon team bus which left Grosso bloodied and injured.
READ: Man Utd consider bringing back Mason Greenwood
The homegrown talent only featured off the bench against Metz at the weekend, though he did record his first goal involvement of the season during his 32-minute cameo. Cherki notched the assist for the equaliser as Lyon salvaged a late point.
Fresh interest
Cherki was heavily linked with Chelsea in the summer, but according to Fabrizio Romano, Lyon were only prepared to sell him as part of a swap deal with Andrey Santos. The Brazilian was ultimately sent out on loan to Nottingham Forest, ruining any chance of striking a deal for Cherki.
The Blues reportedly still hold an interest in the youngster despite this season's struggles and now Man Utd and Newcastle have also joined the race, claims Football Insider. With Cherki out of contract in 2025, the upcoming year will be Lyon's final chance to cash in given that it is unlikely that he will extend his stay after the treatment he has received this season.
READ: Man Utd consider bringing back Mason Greenwood
The two Uniteds are convinced that Cherki could be a "shrewd" signing - and they may have a point. Cherki is currently valued at just €10.7 million by FootballTransfers' algorithm and his value has dropped massively from his initial peak when he first burst onto the scene.
