Newcastle could offer ‘over £50m’ to beat PSG to 19-year-old French sensation

Newcastle United could offer a transfer fee of ‘over £50million’ to beat Paris Saint-Germain to the signing of talented attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki. The Lyon academy product is up for sale this summer but with his contract running until June 2025 a big fee will be involved.

L’Equipe stated that Newcastle have already made contact with Lyon about the availability of Cherki when the transfer window opens. Fellow French site But! Football Club report that Lyon owner John Textor is ‘sitting on a golden egg’ with Cherki and young defender Castello Lukeba.

Cherki has learned his craft at Lyon and last season made his mark on the first team playing 39 games, scoring five times and providing six assists. However, Newcastle have competition for his signature in the form of Ligue 1 title winners PSG.

It has been reported in France that Lyon are ‘relying on competition’ between the clubs to bump the asking price of Cherki up. However, a bidding war is unlikely as PSG are wary not to break Financial Fair Play rules.

It is reported that PSG are unlikely to break the €50million (£43.1m) mark for Cherki and a bid of ‘over £50m’ could bring the under-21 French international to St James’ Park. The transfer of Cherki could be impacted on whether fellow youngster Lukeba with But! Football Club reporting that ‘at least one’ will be sold this summer.

Chelsea remain interested in 20-year-old defender Lukeba who is reportedly in the process of changing agents in a bid to secure a huge move this summer. The youngster has made 50 appearances for Lyon and is believed to be one of the best defensive prospects in France.

Don’t miss…
Eddie Howe confirms first two Newcastle exits and sheds light on transfer plan[QUOTES]
Four Newcastle heroes under threat as Champions League boosts transfer dream[RUMOURS]
Newcastle boss Howe identifies five signings with ‘early Maddison bid likely'[TRANSFER]

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

L’Equipe have reported that Chelsea failed to sign the youngster last year with a bid worth in the region of £38million and they could have another attempt this summer. With Eddie Howe’s side securing Champions League football next season under their Saudi Arabian owners they could spend big this summer.

Newcastle are reportedly ‘very close’ to signing Spanish midfielder Gabri Veiga and look set to beat Real Madrid to his signature. The Magpies could be about to trigger the Celta Vigo midfielder’s release clause of around £34.3million (€40m) which would send a clear message about them building for the future.

Source: Read Full Article