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The 3AddedMinutes take on the latest transfer speculation from the Premier League and beyond.
Rayan Cherki has refused to give any clarity over his future at French club Lyon after speculation has linked him with a move to a number of Premier League clubs.
The likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle United have all been mentioned as possible suitors for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder after he has become a key player at Lyon in recent seasons.
The Ligue 1 club have recently been hit with a provisional relegation and a transfer ban after their debt rose by almost £40m over the last year and it has been suggested Cherki could be sold to ease some of the financial burden. The France Under-21 international has scored five goals and provided six assists in 16 appearances in all competition this season and speaking after finding the net in a Europa League win against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday, he gave very little away over where he views his own future.
As per L’Equipe, he told French TV: "For the moment, there are still two matches left (before Ligue 1’s winter break. We'll see at the end of the season if I'm still here or not."
The 3AM Verdict: Cherki is viewed as one of the most exciting players across the top tier of French football and it seems increasingly likely Lyon’s financial situation could well force them to sell their prize asset. It’s no surprise to see several big-name clubs being linked with Cherki, nor would it be a shock if he was to end up in the Premier League in the near future.
Romano reveals Arsenal snub as Man Utd win race
Manchester United have reportedly seen off interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal to sign Cerro Porteno’s highly-rated youngster Diego Leon.
CaughtOffside have reported the 17-year-old left-back is ready to snub interest from the Gunners after Jason Wilcox played ‘a key role’ in persuading him to join United at the end of the season. That comes after transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano revealed the Red Devils had agreed a deal worth an initial £3m with around another £650k coming in ‘easy add-ons’ and a further £2.5m in bonuses based on ‘player and team’s future performance’.
The 3AM Verdict: Leon has already made 19 first-team appearances for Cerro Porteno and is causing much excitement in Paraguay if reports are to be believed. The two Premier League giants were not the only clubs believed to be interested in securing his service - so it seems Manchester United have done well to land his signature.
Hammers star open to exit
West Ham United are reportedly willing to allow defender Luizao to leave the club two years after signing him on a free transfer from Sao Paolo.
The 22-year-old is yet to feature for the Hammers first-team but has been a regular in their Under-21s setup after making 40 appearances in Premier League 2 and featuring against the likes of Bristol Rovers, Reading and Cheltenham Town in the EFL Trophy over the last two seasons. There were high hopes the Brazilian could break into the senior setup at the London Stadium - but speculation in his home country has now suggested he could depart on loan in January with a view to a permanent move.
Getty Images
Brazilian outlet Revisita Colorada has quoted the defender’s agent as saying: “We’ve had enquiries from various clubs in Brazil, including Inter [Internacional]. But we don’t have anything official from any club, just enquiries about interest and salary. Today West Ham are loaning him out with an option to buy.
“But who wouldn’t want to play for Inter? Today we’re more for the clubs than for ourselves. Inter actually approached us in the last window and didn’t make a move, there was another preference. But we’re open, if Inter make it official we won’t waste any time.”
The 3AM Verdict: At the age of 22, Luizao should at least be challenging for a place in the West Ham first-team squad and should really have already made his debut. It seems a wise move to allow him to depart in the near future.
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