Liverpool could hijack Manchester City's transfer deal as Arne Slot has cut his holiday short to personally meet with a shock player.
Liverpool have already strengthened their side following their title-winning Premier League campaign last season.
They have snapped up Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen and remain in the market for his ex-teammate Florian Wirtz, who is in talks over a stunning move to Anfield.
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Liverpool's domestic rivals are also looking to recruit new players, including Manchester City who will participate in this month's Club World Cup.
The Blues begin their campaign on June 18 when they face Moroccan side Wydad AC in Philadelphia.
Ahead of the competition getting underway, Pep Guardiola is keen on reinforcing his team.
Man City have been linked with plenty of stars, including Wolves' Rayan Ait-Nouri.
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Not to mention Rayan Cherki, with the Etihad side in talks with Lyon over a transfer that would be worth around £25 million.
But Liverpool could hijack Man City's deal for Cherki as Slot left his holiday to personally holds talks with the Frenchman.
According to David Ornstein, Slot flew to France last week to speak to the 21-year-old.
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In doing so, he left his holiday as he looks to bolster his side's squad ahead of the new season.
Per the report, Liverpool are committed to Wirtz but that doesn't stop the club 'performing due diligence on other options and preparing for all outcomes'.
Slot's discussions with the Lyon ace were scheduled before the Wirtz chase accelerated.
Cherki has attracted plenty of interest following his stellar performances in France's top flight.
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He scored 12 goals across all competitions last season, including a strike against Manchester United in the Europa League.
Speaking to L'Equipe, Cherki insists he would be ready to join either Liverpool or Man City.
"I’m ready for any system. I work every day, physically and mentally, to be ready," he explained.
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"Above all, I’m trying to choose the best option for me, to develop as a person and a footballer."
Cherki added: "You’re never sure of anything. But I’ll say it: I did what I wanted to do at OL, be a true Lyonnais and give everything for my club.
"I didn’t leave the ship in difficulty. I stayed, I gritted my teeth. I cried, I laughed, I was scared. But a man has to be like that, it’s part of his DNA. Even when it’s hard, even when you cry, even when you’re scared, you have to go to war for your club."
Topics: Liverpool, Manchester City, Arne Slot, Pep Guardiola, Football
Nasir Jabbar