Manchester United could land a blow against Real Madrid by beating them to an exciting £25m transfer target this summer.
Easily two of the biggest football teams in the world, Manchester United and Real Madrid are used to going head-to-head both on and off the pitch.
Last summer, United beat Madrid to the signing of Leny Yoro, with the young French defender preferring a move to Old Trafford.
Reports claimed Madrid players were stunned by Yoro’s decision but it proves that United are still an incredible attraction for young players and with a new long-term project under Ineos and a £2bn new stadium on the way, that will continue.
It seems United have repeated their Yoro trick with Madrid ready to pull out of the race for Rayan Cherki.
Real Madrid accept Man United lead Rayan Cherki race
Ruben Amorim will want attacking reinforcements in the summer and a No.10 well-suited to his 3-4-2-1 system will be a top priority.
United could sign Rayan Cherki for £25m with the 21-year-old attacking midfielder identified as an ideal fit.
United have wanted Cherki since he was 15 and transfer expert Graeme Bailey has told United in Focus that he will be considered by the recruitment team again this summer.
The Red Devils are not the only European giant interested in his signature but Real Madrid Confidencial report that Real Madrid are ready to accept defeat.
Despite showing an interest in Cherki, the Spanish giants are ready to accept defeat as they feel the player prefers a move to the Premier League.
United, alongside Tottenham, are showing interest in a £25m deal which Madrid are not willing to match.
How Rayan Cherki fits in Ruben Amorim’s Man United
Cherki has been in incredible form this season for both Lyon and France’s Under-21s. United scouts watched Cherki in action, and now interest in a deal is ramping up.
With nine goals and 18 assists across all competitions this season, Cherki has become a key player for Lyon and he appears to be a good fit for Amorim’s setup.
Cherki’s minutes this season have mostly been split between two positions – right winger or a central attacking midfielder. His profile makes him an ideal player for the right-sided No.10 in Amorim’s United team.
READ MORE: The two major Man United signings that Ruben Amorim wants to make this summer
He is technically gifted and thrives with the ball at his feet. United strikers such as Rasmus Hojlund have been starved of service this season and Cherki would take some pressure off Bruno Fernandes as United’s sole creator.
Amorim wants his side to dominate possession and control matches and a player of Cherki’s calibre would help to achieve that and transition United away from being so counter-attack reliant.
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