MANCHESTER UNITED and Newcastle are keeping tabs on Lyon’s Rayan Cherki who has “massive attitude problems”, a report claims.
The Premier League duo are keen on signing the attacking midfielder – who is considered one of the best young talents in Ligue 1.
However, recent reports about the French wonderkid could put off both clubs.
Chelsea have been linked to Cherki for several months but Johnson claimed the Blues and other teams may be put off by the youngster’s bad temper.
French football expert Jonathan Johnson has expressed his thoughts on the 20-year-old.
He said: “Though I don’t know for sure if Chelsea plans to come back in for him.
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“The Blues had an interest in him in the past, but one problem is that clubs are becoming increasingly aware that he has massive attitude problems.
“He doesn’t always conduct himself like he should on the pitch or in training.
“And there is quite a problematic relationship between the player’s entourage and the club, so that could get in the way of his development.”
There are a lot of problems behind the scenes at Lyon, according to Johnson – and he considers Cherki could be one player to “jump ship” in January.
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Johnson continued: “It’s not a happy place to be at the moment. Rayan Cherki is one name whose future could be in doubt.
“And there’ll be plenty of European clubs monitoring him and other Lyon players because there are real financial difficulties for them.
“A lot of players already wanted to jump ship before the start of the season, and they still could. Cherki will certainly be one to keep an eye on.”
Lyon’s academy graduate has huge potential having made his senior debut at just age 16.
Since then he has featured in 111 appearances, scored 14 goals and made 16 assists for the first team.
Premier League teams will have to weigh out Cherki’s attitude problems and inexperience against his youth and promising talent if they want to sign him in January.
Man United are set to lose two wingers in 2024, as Jadon Sancho’s career at Old Trafford appears to be nonexistent amid his ongoing feud with Erik ten Hag.
Meanwhile, Newcastle attacker Harvey Barnes is recovering from a major foot injury.
But the Magpies are expected to prioritise midfield signings in January due to Sandro Tonali’s 10-month betting ban.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
