Manchester United have been in talks to sign a £34m star who embarrassed Andre Onana in the Europa League.
The Red Devils’ season hit another major low point on Wednesday evening, with Ruben Amorim’s side losing 1-0 in the Europa League final against Tottenham.
Brennan Johnson’s goal just before half-time proved to be the winner in Bilbao and leaves Man Utd planning for next season without any Champions League football.
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Man Utd's grim season ended with a whimper in Bilbao on Wednesday evening
Failing to win the Europa League will have a negative impact financially on United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whereas transfer targets may not want to move to Old Trafford without European football on offer.
The future of Amorim has also been a talking point following the final whistle in Bilbao, and the Man Utd boss even offered to quit if the club and fans don’t think he is the right man for the job.
"In this moment, it’s a little bit of faith. So let’s see. Like I said before, coming here before in the flash, I am always open. If the board and fans feel that I’m not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation.
"But I will not quit again. I am really confident in my job and, as you can see, I will not change nothing in the way I do things."
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It promises to be an intriguing few months at Old Trafford in what is Ratcliffe’s first summer transfer window as co-owner, and by the looks of things, they have moved for a star who they faced in the Europa League this season.
Man Utd hold talks to sign £34m Cherki from Lyon
According to Sky Sports reporter Patrick Berger, sharing news on X just minutes before Wednesday's final, Man Utd have held talks with Lyon over a deal for attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki.
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Those discussions were held when the Red Devils faced the Ligue 1 side in the Europa League quarter-final, with Borussia Dortmund also keen on the 21-year-old.
An attacking midfielder who can also play on either wing, Cherki has enjoyed a fine individual season with Lyon, which has seen his Transfermarkt valuation rise to a career-high €34m.
Rayan Cherki's stats 24/25
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Called a “wizard” amid links of a move to Spurs, Cherki even embarrassed Andre Onana against Man Utd by capitalising on the goalkeeper’s mistake to score a stoppage time equaliser for Lyon.
A two-footed, versatile attacker, Cherki is thought to be valued at £34m by Lyon this summer, but missing out on Champions League football could have an impact on any potential transfer.