Manchester United 'in pole position' to sign Lyon's Rayan Cherki in cut-price deal

Manchester United are reportedly at the front of the race to snap up Lyon's impressive young talent Rayan Cherki, who has emerged as a significant threat to their Europa League hopes.

The 21-year-old is understood to have a price tag that won't cause accountants any distress at around £20million and has attracted interest from numerous Premier League clubs, including rivals Liverpool.

Cherki was close to joining the United academy under Nicky Butt's leadership before committing to his first professional contract with his boyhood team, Lyon.

At just 16-years-old, United recognised his skills as an attacking player and have tracked the progress of the France Under-21 stare ever since.

They are now poised to make a bid come summer according to The Mirror. Cherki rebuffed an offer from French titans Paris Saint-Germain last year, solidifying his standing among Lyon followers.

His experience of being warmly received when visiting United’s Carrington training ground all those years ago could give the Reds the edge in capturing a player who scored the late equaliser in Thursday's 2-2 Europa League draw.

Post-match, Cherki voiced his confidence and belief in Lyon's supremacy over the English side, signifying their readiness for the second leg at Old Trafford.

"We were much better than them," he declared to journalists. "We know they are a good team, but we have never been afraid of them and we will never be afraid of them. Second leg - we will go there to attack. ”.

Cherki is having a remarkable campaign in France, with his teammate, former Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles, regarding him as the most naturally gifted footballer he has played alongside.

"He is the best natural talent I've ever seen," Maitland-Niles told