Man United eyeing move for former Ole Gunnar Solskjaer target who Chelsea snubbed for Cole Palmer

Manchester United are targeting a move for Lyon star Rayan Cherki, according to reports - one window on from when Chelsea snubbed him to sign Cole Palmer.

Cherki was of interest to United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with French outlet Foot Mercato claiming that the club had held talks with the then 15-year-old's parents over a potential move.

The Frenchman was also linked with moves to the likes of Barcelona, AC Milan and Real Madrid, before eventually opting to sign a permanent contract with Lyon.

Now 20, Cherki was involved in 10 goals in Ligue 1 last season, making 34 appearances.

He was praised by none other than Kylian Mbappe in 2020 after becoming Lyon's youngest ever goalscorer at the age of just 16.

But much like his Lyon team-mates, Cherki has endured a challenging start to the 2023/24 campaign.

Fabio Grosso's side are yet to win a game in Ligue 1, and are rooted to the bottom of the table with just four points from 10 matches.

Cherki has continued to impress at international level, though, scoring twice and assisting twice for France U21s during a 9-0 win over Cyprus last month.

Now, according to Football Insider, United have reinvigorated their interest in the attacking midfielder, and see him as a 'shrewd signing' in 2024.

A move in January may be difficult, however, with the club still having to get around financial issues relating to Financial Fair Play (FFP).

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And Football Insider report that Newcastle have also expressed interest in the player, with manager Eddie Howe compiling a three-player shortlist, which also contains Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, ahead of January.

Chelsea showed interest in the summer but eventually opted to sign Cole Palmer from City instead.

But one boost for both United and Newcastle is that Cherki's contract only has 18 months left to run, despite signing a new deal earlier this year.

And given Lyon's huge struggles in Ligue 1 this term, a deal could be far easier to strike than in other circumstances - if Cherki is willing to leave.

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