Manchester United & Newcastle linked with French youngster Rayan Cherki

Rayan Cherki plays for Lyon in Ligue 1

According to sources, Manchester United and Newcastle United are prepared to compete for the purchase of Lyon forward Rayan Cherki.

Since joining Lyon at the age of six, the 20-year-old has made 112 appearances for the French powerhouse, contributing 17 assists and 14 goals.

After scoring two goals in three matches at the U19 level, he has been outstanding for France's Under-21 team, amassing 11 goals in 18 appearances.

During the summer transfer window, Cherki was heavily linked to a move to Chelsea, a Premier League team.

Although the transfer fell through, Mauricio Pochettino was still keen on acquiring a flexible young striker and instead brought Cole Palmer from Manchester City.

Palmer has adapted quite rapidly, whereas Cherki is finding it difficult to motivate a very underperforming Lyon team.

After ten games, the Ligue 1 team has lost all ten of its games and is currently at the bottom of the French premier division.

In Sunday's draw against the Metz at home, Cherki contributed his first goal assist to Skelly Alvero's equaliser in the 84th minute.

It's uncertain if the 20-year-old Frenchman will take advantage of Lyon's Ligue 1 spot or stick around to try to move on during the winter transfer window.

Despite the player's dismal performance this season, the Premier League is undoubtedly interested.

With their young graduate's contract expiring in 2025, Lyon would be keen to take advantage of the chance to earn a substantial transfer fee.

Rayan Cherki is a "potential star in the making," according to the article, and United and the Magpies believe that signing him may be a "shrewd" move.

In Cherki's place, Erik ten Hag has plenty of possibilities, but thus far this season, none of them have impressed.

It seems likely that the Red Devils manager will stick with Antony, who he acquired for almost £80 million from Ajax last year, even if Marcus Rashford seems unstoppable regardless of how badly he plays.