Newcastle United have been handed a potential transfer boost in pursuit of a new midfielder.
The Magpies are set for a busy and important summer transfer window with multiple stars expected to depart and several new additions likely to be signed.
Eddie Howe is expected to sanction Callum Wilson’s exit, with midfielder Bruno Guimaraes thought to be a top target for treble-winners Manchester City.
And clearly in need of reinforcements of their own, one player heavily linked with a high-profile move to St. James’ Park has been Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki.
The young Frenchman, aged just 20, has been tipped for great things since he broke through the club’s youth ranks four years ago.
However, now with less than 18 months left on his contract, this summer is expected to see the 20-year-old move on in search of bigger and better things.
Newcastle United join Rayan Cherki transfer race as midfielder’s price tag revealed
And according to a recent report from Fichajes, there are two leading candidates to poach the young playmaker — Chelsea and of course, Newcastle United.
Newcastle United, who agreed a deal with Lyon for Bruno Guimaraes in 2022, will be hoping to use their strong working relationship to beat Chelsea to Cherki’s signature.
Believed to be wanting at least £21.4 million for the talented attacking midfielder, Lyon’s modest asking price will likely bring even more clubs to the table, so for Newcastle United, if they’re to win the race, they will need to act quickly once the summer window opens.
Since making his first-team debut back in 2019, Cherki, who has represented France at under-21 level on 20 occasions, has scored 16 goals and registered 20 assists in 130 games in all competitions.