Liverpool and Chelsea have both made proposals for Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, according to TuttoJuve.com reporter Massimo Pavan.

The journalist claims that the two Premier League teams have put €20m (£17m) bids “on the table” for the Frenchman ahead of the January transfer window.

Lyon are said to be in financial difficulties, with reports suggesting that the club is €500m in debt, and that could lead to a firesale of players.

It appears that the Reds are among those chancing their arm by making an approach for Cherki.

What do Liverpool fans need to know about the player?

Speaking last year, French football expert Martin Mosnier drew comparisons between the 21-year-old and a former Chelsea player:

“He could very well become a Premier League star like Eden Hazard, but I think it’s still too early for him to leave [Lyon].”

Cherki’s style of play is similar to Hazard’s in terms of his excellent close control and dribbling ability, but the France Under 23 international is more comfortable playing in central positions despite being deployed regularly on the wings.

The club’s transfer priorities lie elsewhere

If Cherki is available for a discounted price, the Reds may exploit the opportunity. A player with his level of talent is rarely available for such a low fee.

However, sporting director Richard Hughes does have more pressing matters in terms of recruitment. The club could do with another holding midfielder if head coach Arne Slot isn’t prepared to use Wataru Endo regularly.

A new left-back may also be needed soon, with neither Andy Robertson nor Kostas Tsimikas getting any younger. Moreover, there is the small matter of having to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah if the trio leave at the end of their contracts next summer.

Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here