Man United and Liverpool receive boost in race for target Thierry Henry says is "impossible to defend against"
Manchester United are reportedly keen on the 21-year-old, who scored twice against them this season.
Ruben Amorim is hoping to end the season on a high with a trophy, as his Manchester United side prepare for the Europa League final against Tottenham on Wednesday night in Bilbao.
If they do beat Spurs, United would claim a spot in the Champions League next season, something that could be crucial in their attempt to recruit more quality players during the summer transfer window.
One position that they are set to improve is in attack, with Amorim keen to improve his depth in not only the striker position, but also in the two number 10 roles that he likes to play either side.
Cherki confirms summer departure
One player that United have been linked to is Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who scored in each of the two legs in Lyon’s Europa League quarter-final against the Red Devils. He has been one of the French side’s best players this season, scoring 12 goals and 20 assists.
United and Liverpool are amongst a group of Premier League clubs to show an interest in Cherki, who has just a £19m release clause in his contract at Lyon, which is a comparative bargain compared to what he would expect to cost.
According to recent reports, Cherki has confirmed that he’s going to leave Lyon this summer. Goal.com report that the 21-year-old’s representatives have been in talks with both United and Liverpool as of late.
After Lyon’s last league game of the season, a 2-0 win against Angers, Cherki said: “Thanks to OL, the coach, the staff, the president, my teammates and all people at the club."
Reports have suggested that Cherki prefers a move to Anfield this summer, but if United were to win the Europa League and in turn qualify for the Champions League, it could help Amorim’s case to attract him to Old Trafford.
Cherki is expected to become a real star in the future. Former France U21s manager Thierry Henry was full of praise for him. Henry said: “Rayan, when he plays like that, it's just impossible to defend against him.”
Cherki could be a cheaper alternative to Cunha
With a release clause of just £19m, United would be able to get themselves a top European attacker for a very reasonable price. Due to the precarious financial position at Old Trafford, United could opt to sign the Frenchman instead of Wolves striker Matheus Cunha.
The Red Devils have been very strongly linked to Cunha, although any deal for the Brazilian is expected to amount to around £67m, which is a huge investment for United to make.
Cunha has made 23 goal contributions this season for Wolves, whereas Cherki has made 32 for Lyon. The saving on transfer fee may be worth it, especially considering that Cherki is much younger too, and could develop into one of the best players in the Premier League.
However, if United do sell Jadon Sancho to Chelsea (a deal that looks set to happen due to the obligation in his loan deal), they could use the £20m plus to invest in Cherki, and maybe sign Cunha too, if they were to sell the likes of Antony and Marcus Rashford too.