Liverpool could sign Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki for “lower” than the €30m (£25m) price tag that has been reported, according to RMC Sport reporter Fabrice Hawkins.

The journalist, who is usually reliable when it comes to transfers in Ligue One, claims that Lyon are flexible on their valuation and they could be willing to agree a deal in January.

Cherki has been linked with a move to Anfield by various sources over the past week or so and Hawkins has confirmed that the Reds’ interest is genuine.

He goes as far as to say that the 21-year-old is “appreciated” by both the club’s recruitment team and head coach Arne Slot. The player is said to be a transfer target that Liverpool would like to sign “in the short to medium term”.

What do fans need to know about Cherki?

Some observers have compared the France Under 23 international to Eden Hazard due to his languid style and ability to keep hold of the ball.

However, Cherki is not blessed with the same amount of pace as the Chelsea legend. He is more comfortable playing in central areas, even though he is often asked to play out wide by Lyon.

Will Liverpool have competition for the player?

A whole host of teams, including Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund have considered signing Cherki over the past couple of years. He was even available for less than €20m (£17m) last summer as he hadn’t signed a new contract.

However, there are concerns about the midfielder’s attitude and nobody was prepared to take a gamble on him at the time. Obviously, Liverpool have seen something that others have not. Based on Hawkins’ reporting, fans should probably expect a bid to be made for Cherki in the next transfer window.

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