Rayan Cherki has already revealed his admiration for Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool ‘make transfer contact’

Liverpool have made contact with Lyon over a possible deal for midfielder Rayan Cherki. The 20-year-old is out of contract in a year and Lyon may have to cash in this summer to avoid losing him for nothing.

Cherki is said to be weighing up his options before the transfer window opens, with Sports Zone reporting that Liverpool are ready to battle Paris Saint-Germain for his signature. Tottenham and Newcastle are also claimed to be admirers of the Frenchman.

It is claimed that Liverpool have “already made contact” with the player’s representatives, with Lyon keen to pony up around $27m (£21m/€25m) for Cherki this summer.

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It is not the first time the midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League. Chelsea and West Ham were both said to be keen on a deal a year ago, while Fulham made an approach in January, the Daily Mail reported.

He looks set to continue this time around, but has failed to secure a regular place at Lyon this season. Cherki is primarily an attacking midfielder, but can also play on the left – a position that Arne Slot should look to strengthen.

However, Cherki has already spoken glowingly of Slot’s predecessor Jurgen Klopp as he discussed his dream line-up. Speaking to Ligue 1’s official website in 2020, Cherki picked a team with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane.

He insisted the team would have succeeded in the Premier League, but only if they were managed by a hybrid version of Klopp and Pep Guadiola, who have been involved in some epic title battles.

Liverpool.com says: Cherki won’t turn 21 until the start of next season and it looks like a move could be best for his development this summer. He has been touted as one of the best young talents in Europe, but his progress has stalled somewhat at Lyon. The Reds don’t need a new midfielder, but if someone of Cherki’s ability becomes available at a bargain price, they should consider switching positions.