Newcastle United cause ‘upheaval’ by preparing £42m offer for France star

Newcastle United are ready to test Lyon’s resolve to hold on to one of their key men with a big money offer - according to reports in France.

Just under 17 months have passed since the Magpies last brought in a major player from the Ligue 1 club when Brazil star Bruno Guimaraes made a £40million move to Tyneside. Another Lyon star has been linked with United on several occasions over that time and there are now reports in France suggesting an official offer is being put together as the St James Park hierarchy look to secure a third summer addition.

Magpies scouts have watched France Under-21 star Rayan Cherki on a number of occasions in recent months and French Football Weekly have now revealed an offer of around £42m will test Lyon as they look to fight off interest in three of their promising young talents.

Defender Castello Lukeba is said to be attracting attention from German club RB Leipzig and Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are said to be monitoring the progress of winger Bradley Barcola after he scored seven goals and provided four assists in 31 appearances for Lyon last season.

Cherki remains under contract until the summer of 2025 and the report has suggested he is valued at around £26million, which was believed to be the value of an offer submitted by La Liga giants Real Madrid just over two years ago. That bid provoked Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas to warn a number of suitors the youngster was not for sale and he angrily hit out a £12million offer from PSG during the January transfer window.

However, the report states Newcastle could tempt him into a sale with ‘serious financial arguements’ and believes the Magpies have already shown their intent by bringing in AC Milan and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali.