EXCLUSIVE with Graeme Bailey

With the January transfer window fast approaching, Liverpool are starting to get their ducks in a row.

The Reds look set for a busy 2025, with the potential exits of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah meaning there could be plenty of work needing to be done.

As a result, speculation is starting to ramp up over who Liverpool could be looking to target over the next 12 months.

Rayan Cherki transfer latest - Liverpool 'interest', Lyon price tag and contract stance	Report: Liverpool have already stepped up pursuit of £25m signing after Arne Slot gives green light	Liverpool shirt numbers available to Rayan Cherki after £25m transfer amid 'intensifying' update

Reports from France caught the eye this week with suggestions that Liverpool have made an offer to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon.

With Lyon struggling amid financial difficulties, there have been rumours that Cherki could be available for as little as £17m.

However, Rousing The Kop understands that while Liverpool are well aware of the 21-year-old’s talents, reports that a bid has been lodged are wide of the mark.

Photo by ANP via Getty Images

Reports that Cherki could be on his way to Anfield have understandably excited Liverpool fans.

The France U21 international is an exceptionally gifted player who could add a little bit of ‘X-factor’ to Arne Slot’s team.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

However, senior Liverpool sources have confirmed to RTK that no approach has been made by the Reds for Cherki.

It’s understood that the player is certainly on the radar at Anfield – as he is at all of the top sides in Europe – but as of yet Liverpool’s interest has not been taken any further.

READ MORE: What Liverpool insiders are saying about signing Milos Kerkez in January

And sources have indicated to RTK that Cherki’s situation is not dissimilar to that of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush.

Marmoush has been heavily linked with Liverpool, but RTK understands that the Egyptian is not a primary target for Slot as thing stand.

As with Cherki, it’s understood that the Reds have scouted Marmoush, but talks between either player and Liverpool are yet to take place.

Richard Hughes has publicly referenced that Liverpool are looking to operate in an ‘opportunistic’ manner in the transfer market moving forward.

As a result of Lyon’s current situation – they could be relegated to Ligue 2 at the end of this season due to financial issues – signing anyone from Les Gones could be seen through this prism.

However, as well as Liverpool’s interest in Cherki being cool for now, Lyon owner John Textor has already confirmed that the player will not be leaving in January – unless he pushes to do so.

“He has a greater value today than this summer,” the American said via RMC Sport.

But as things stand, Liverpool are not actively pursuing a deal to make a January exit possible

Related Posts