Liverpool transfers: Reds 'make contact' with French giants over £21m wonderkid

Liverpool have reportedly 'made contact' with Lyon wonderkid Rayan Cherki, with the French star increasingly likely to leave the club this summer. 

The Reds face their first transfer window under new boss Arne Slot and will undoubtedly bolster the squad this summer, with outgoings also expected.

Joel Matip and Thiago have already left the club on free transfers, while there have been reports linking the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez with exits.

When it comes to new signings, Slot isn't expected to have an enormous amount of influence given he is the club's head coach rather than manager, but the Reds are looking to gift the Dutchman a new forward ahead of his debut season.

There have been plenty of attackers touted with a move to Anfield, but the latest name supposedly interesting the Reds is Lyon's impressive Rayan Cherki.

LIVERPOOL MAKE CONTACT OVER RAYAN CHERKI

Reports of Liverpool's interest in 20-year-old Cherki come from French outlet Sports Zone (via TEAMtalk), who claim that Tottenham have also approached Lyon over a summer switch.

Cherki, who can play as an attacking midfielder or on either flank, sees his contract expire in 2025 and looks set to leave Lyon in the coming months, possibly for a cut-price fee of just €25m (£21.3m).

Liverpool have 'made contact' regarding the youngster and are said to be 'in the early stages of assessing a deal for the attacker'.

Cherki, who was described as "a player with exceptional qualities" by former manager Rudi Garcia, made his debut for Lyon's senior side aged just 16, but hasn't quite managed to reach his full potential just yet.

He has already represented the French giants 141 times despite being just 20, with 17 goals and 25 assists to his name in that time.

Liverpool are expected to pursue a forward of some description this summer - most likely a winger - with Cherki a versatile young talent full of flair and potential.