Manchester City to complete Rayan Cherki deal ‘in the coming days’ – Talks held with entourage and coaches | OneFootball

Fresh reports from France have pointed towards the belief that Rayan Cherki will be joining Manchester City ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Officials within the Etihad Stadium are currently in the process of securing fresh energy and talent following a disappointing season for Manchester City – their first campaign without major silverware since 2016/17.

With Kevin De Bruyne already out through the exit door after a decision was taken not to renew the legendary midfielder’s contract, several more notable departures are being discussed, with doubts over the likes of James McAtee, Jack Grealish, and John Stones.

As such, there is a recruitment plan ongoing to bring in new faces in the full-back roles and several positions throughout the varying midfield operations such as the ‘No.8’ ranks and the attacking or creative area.

Having firmly moved on from Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz due to concerns over the finances involved in a deal, Manchester City have turned to France where they are pursuing a move for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki.

Now, according to the information of L’Equipe’s Hugo Guillemet and Loic Tanzi, Cherki could complete a move to the Etihad Stadium ‘in the coming days’, having emerged as the club’s priority for the number 10 role this summer.

As things stand, the report claims there is no agreement in place between the 21-year-old and Manchester City, with no decision on his future yet made, although club officials have taken steps on their side to progress matters.

L’Equipe report that City have been speaking directly with the Frenchman’s entourage and have also obtained information from his former coaches, including ex-Lyon boss Pierre Sage. For the time being, Pep Guardiola has not spoken directly with Cherki.

As for the overall status of the deal, Manchester City are said to want the player for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, while Lyon would like a ‘quick’ sale for a talent they are said to value at around €40 million.

Pep Guardiola and his players are due to jet out to the United States on June 12 ahead of the start of a three-match group phase that will see the club take on Italy’s Juventus, Morocco’s Wydad AC, and the United Arab Emirates’ Al Ain.

There have already been confirmed changes for City prior to the US jaunt despite player alterations still yet to be finalised, as all of Juanma Lillo Carlos Vicens and Inigo Dominguez have left Guardiola’s backroom staff.

With arrivals now being targeted as the club looks to bring in a fresh wave of ideas, former assistant coach to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, Pep Lijnders, has agreed to join Manchester City in what is likely to be viewed as a significant coup by the club.