Liverpool have the chance to sign Lyon winger Rayan Cherki for a cut-price fee in the January transfer window, according to reports.
The 21-year-old is regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in France, scoring six goals and registering seven assists in 22 appearances for Lyon so far this season.
Lyon’s precarious financial situation means that the French club have been banned from making any new signings in the January transfer window.
Earlier this week, L’Equipe reported that Lyon must find €175 million (£147.7m) in order to avoid relegation to Ligue 2 at the end of the season.
Therefore, Cherki’s sale before his contract expires in 2026 appears to be inevitable and Liverpool have already expressed their interest in signing the midfielder.
According to Sky Germany, Lyon have a verbal agreement in place with Cherki where the club would allow him to leave if they receive an offer worth €22.5m (£19m).
The report adds that Borussia Dortmund have retained their interest in Cherki and are among the clubs who are considering a move.
Paris Saint-Germain also explored the possibility of signing Cherki last summer but they have now secured a €70m (£59.1m) deal to buy Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli.
Earlier this week, Lyon owner John Textor revealed Cherki was keen to make the move to PSG last summer.
‘It’s been three or four seasons that Cherki has wanted to leave. It has nothing to do with the DNCG. He wanted to go to PSG last year,’ Textor said.
‘He sent me a message saying: ‘I really want to go to PSG’.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.