Latest developments
- Rayan Cherki has landed on Manchester United's radar.
- United have already held talks over signing the Lyon sensation.
- The Frenchman is available for a bargain fee.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): CaughtOffside keep a lid on their sources
Manchester United have enquired about Rayan Cherki in the final days of the winter transfer window, with the Frenchman's representatives actively seeking a new club for the 21-year-old Lyon jewel.
The story comes from CaughtOffside, who provide little detail about their sources. Cherki has also been linked with a move to Liverpool.
Value (4.5/5): Insanely talented star for peanuts
Cherki is available for as little as £18.5million amid Lyon's precarious financial situation. The Ligue 1 outfit are being forced to sell one of their best players, owing to an impending threat of relegation to Ligue 2 due to their financial crisis.
For a player with five goals and eight assists so far this term, Lyon's price-tag is simply a bargain for United, who themselves aren't in the position to spend big on strengthening their attack.
Suitability (3.5/5): Wide-playmaker
Direct wingers like Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford have struggled in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 setup, which employs two number 10s behind the striker. Cherki, who likes to move inside from wide areas to link-up with his teammates would be an ideal fit for the wide playmaker role at Old Trafford.
Upgrade? (3.5/5): Immense potential
United are blessed with high-profile names in the attack but apart from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo all of their stars have underwhelmed this campaign. As such, expect Cherki, who has immense potential, to cement his place in Amorim's first-team plans swiftly with his impressive dribbling ability and passing vision.
Logic (4/5): Great step up
Even if we ignore Lyon's tricky situation due to their finances, Cherki, with his talent alone, has outgrown their squad and is ready for a bigger challenge. In that regard, United could prove to be a great next step for him to show his incredible talent at the biggest stage.
Whisper+ verdict: 18.5/25
United need a player like Cherki in their attack, and his price-tag makes him a very appealing option. But with deadline day almost here, the Mancunians are fighting the race against time.
