Paris Saint-Germain target on Newcastle United’s radar after failed January ‘bid’

Lyon star Rayan Cherki is reportedly on Newcastle United’s radar as the Magpies look to bolster their squad during the summer transfer window.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has already made 93 senior appearances fro the Ligue 1 club after making his debut in goalless draw against Dijon in October 2019. A first senior goal followed just three months later when Cherki netted in a 7-0 demolition of Bourg-en-Bresse in a Coupe de France tie to become Lyon’s youngest ever goalscorer.

Since that maiden strike the man rated as one of the best talents to come through Lyon’s famed academy has scored 13 goals and provided 14 assists in his 93 appearances and has earned international honours at Under-16, Under-19 and Under-21 level with France.

Speaking about his progress into the senior game, Cherki’s former youth coach Jean-Baptiste Gregoire said: “He is a boy who invents things all the time. He creates the unexpected and captivates the attention of everyone: team-mates, coaches, opponents, fans. But what impresses me the most is his passion for football, his determination and his mind to reach the highest level as fast as possible.”

Scouts from some of Europe’s biggest clubs are believed to have been at the Parc des Princes on Sunday night as Cherki put in a lively 70-minutes display as Lyon claimed a 1-0 win against a Paris Saint-Germain side containing the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Marco Veratti.

It is not yet known whether Newcastle were represented in the stands but French outlet L’Equipe have claimed the Magpies are ready to ‘get active’ with the possible signing of Cherki and suggested United have already made contact with his representatives after making an unsuccessful offer to sign the reported PSG target in January.