AliousMan United Look to Hijack Spurs’ Move for French Wonderkid Rayan Cherki After Europa League Setback
Manchester United may have suffered defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, but the Red Devils are now plotting a transfer counterpunch as they eye up one of Spurs’ top summer targets.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on European silverware and Champions League qualification, United have now reportedly entered the race to sign Rayan Cherki – the highly-rated Lyon attacker who has been turning heads in Ligue 1 for the past couple of seasons.
Cherki, 21, confirmed just last week that he intends to leave Lyon this summer with just a year remaining on his contract – a declaration that instantly intensified interest from several European clubs. Tottenham have been monitoring the Frenchman for months and were thought to be ramping up their efforts to bring him to North London.
However, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United are now officially pursuing Cherki, seeing him as a financially savvy option in light of their limited transfer funds. The Premier League giants, who will not be competing in any European tournament next season, appear keen to pounce before other suitors firm up their offers.
Liverpool, previously linked with the versatile forward, are now believed to be focusing their attention elsewhere – particularly on Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz – leaving Spurs and United as the main contenders for Cherki’s signature.
Yet, Tottenham remain in pole position due to a crucial edge: Champions League football. With Spurs securing a spot in Europe’s elite competition, they can offer a more appealing project to the France U21 star, who will be looking to test himself at the highest level.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the battle for Cherki could become one of the most intriguing subplots – with United hoping to land a major coup and Spurs aiming to seal a long-targeted deal.
Alious
