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Liverpool will have to see off a host of top clubs to sign Rayan Cherki this summer, according to the latest report.

The Reds have been linked with a move for the 21-year-old for some time now.

Last November, reports in France linked Liverpool with a possible move for the Olympique Lyonnais star in January.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano also confirmed the Reds’ interest, although he did reveal that Liverpool were not in advanced talks with the player.

Although Liverpool’s interest in the player never led to a move in January, Arne Slot’s side has remained open to signing the player.

Liverpool’s interest is not just fueled by Cherki’s quality, but his very reasonable price tag.

The attacking midfielder, whose contract runs until 2026, has a verbal agreement with Lyon allowing him to depart for a cut-price €22.5 million (£19 million), a clause that has piqued Liverpool’s interest as they seek long-term attacking reinforcements.

Cherki’s unique arrangement with Lyon stems from financial pressures threatening the club’s Ligue 1 status.

Lyon’s precarious financial position, facing provisional relegation to Ligue 2 due to mounting debts of €500 million, has forced them to consider selling their prized assets, including Cherki.

Liverpool are keen on taking advantage of that this summer, but will have to battle several clubs, including Manchester United, for the star.

This is according to Sports Mail journalist Nathan Salt.

Writing in the Daily Mail Confidential, the journalist said: “With a verbal agreement on a release clause for around £25million, all of Europe’s elite, including Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, are now circling a player that they hope has finally flicked a switch on his maturity to make him worth the gamble.”

Cherki has impressed this season with 12 goals and 18 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions.

The 21-year-old has established himself as one of France’s most promising young talents and falls into the age bracket that FSG likes to invest in.

His versatility allows him to operate across multiple attacking positions, fitting the profile Liverpool typically seeks in forward players.

It is certainly one to watch as we head into the summer and beyond, as all signs seem to point to Cherki being an archetype Michael Edwards signing.

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