Club owner opens door for 'EXCEPTIONAL' playmaker to join Liverpool

Lyon were handed a provisional RELEGATION to Ligue 2 on Friday by the French football watchdog - the DNCG - as a result of financial mismanagement under owner John Textor.

The storied Ligue 1 side were also BANNED from making any transfers in the upcoming January window with their current debt standing at over €500m.

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The relegation will come into effect at the end of the season unless the club demonstrates a better economic outlook following a hearing between the watchdog and club officials.

The club will also be operating under a salary budget limit and Textor took to the stage on Saturday in order to provide an update on the club’s financial status.

Lyon plan to SLASH budget

He revealed club plans to SLASH the wage bill by up to €50m, adding that a spending spree last year in order to stave off relegation had ended up with the squad having too many players.

"We have too many players today,” he said as reported by L’Equipe. “[Head coach] Pierre Sage must decide who he wants to put on the field.

“There are 29. Ideally, we need 23 or 24. Some didn't leave.”

Textor on Cherki: It's up to him

Among those players up for discussion was Rayan Cherki, the 21-year-old playmaker who has long been linked with a move to Liverpool.

Textor admitted that the side came close to selling the France under-21 international last summer but he ultimately stayed put, signing a new contract in September.

However, the executive - who also owns Botafogo in Brazil and shares in Crystal Palace - declared that the decision whether to leave or not will be left in the hands of Cherki in the upcoming transfer window.

"With him, we lost €15m but we have a longer-term agreement. He has a greater market value. He should stay in January but it will be his choice. As always in football."

Attacking midfielder Cherki has scored twice and added three assists in 11 matches overall this season. He was previously described as 'exceptional' by former France and Lyon coach Laurent Blanc.

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