£19m winger has just shown exactly why Newcastle United want to sign him with near flawless display

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One of Newcastle United’s top targets for the summer transfer window has hit a strong run of form.

The January window turned out to be fairly quiet for Newcastle United, with sporting director Paul Mitchell focused more on outgoings than bringing in any quality additions.

• £73m PSR boost is one of three reasons Newcastle United should be positive despite quiet January

There was money to spend for Newcastle, but it would have demanded even more sales in the summer. By saving over the winter, the Magpies have put themselves in a favourable PSR position for the next window.

Due to amortisation, Lloyd Kelly’s sale will fund a £70m signing in the summer, and Newcastle have plenty of targets on their radar.

Heading into January, Newcastle wanted to sign a right winger, and that is certainly still the case now that Miguel Almiron has returned to MLS. One of Newcastle’s winger targets stood out over the last week.

Newcastle United interest in Rayan Cherki

Lyon winger Rayan Cherki has been a long-term target for Newcastle, dating back to 2023 when he was wanted by Dan Ashworth.

In the final days of the January window, Newcastle considered a late move for Cherki to bolster Eddie Howe’s attacking options, but opted against it.

Despite missing out on a winter deal, Newcastle could sign Cherki in the summer with Lyon leaving the door open to a 2025 move.

Reports claim that Newcastle can sign Cherki for just £18.6m with Lyon desperate to raise funds amid a financial crisis.

The 21-year-old stayed put in France this season, but there will be plenty of interest in his signature towards the end of the season leading into the summer – especially as he has hit a fine vein of form.

Newcastle target Rayan Cherki stars for Lyon in 4-0 win

Rayan Cherki has scored six goals and made 11 assists for Lyon this season in what has been a mightily impressive campaign from the Frenchman.

However, perhaps his best performance of the season came on Sunday evening in Lyon’s 4-0 win over Reims.

Cherki scored Lyon’s third goal of the game and also picked up two assists, earning him the Player of the Match award and a near-flawless 9.5 rating via WhoScored.

Cherki featured in WhoScored’s Ligue 1 Team of the Week, picking up the highest rating of any player in the division.

Here is a quick look at Cherki’s stats from the match: