£25m winger has decided he wants to join Liverpool despite two years of Newcastle United interest

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After missing out on him during the January transfer window, Newcastle United are hoping to sign a winger with a lot of pedigree this summer.

The Magpies will be in the market for a winger in the upcoming transfer window after being forced to sell Yankuba Minteh in 2024 and saying goodbye to Miguel Almiron, who returned to Atlanta United in January.

Almiron’s Newcastle United exit meant that Toon boss Eddie Howe has been forced to play with just one natural right-winger for the remainder of the season. Jacob Murphy has put in many remarkable performances to deliver his best-ever campaign for the Magpies, scoring eight goals and bagging 11 assists.

While his form has continued throughout the season, there will undoubtedly be concerns over whether Murphy can continue his purple patch next season, especially after turning 30 this year.

Newcastle want to sign Bryan Mbeumo, but the 25-year-old’s £60m price tag may see sporting director Paul Mitchell look elsewhere for the ideal winger. Newcastle fans want Mitchell to sign Mbeumo regardless of his price tag.

While the sporting director looks for alternatives, a player who would cost considerably less than Mbeumo has reportedly made a decision on which club he wants to sign for this summer. It makes for grim reading for Newcastle fans.

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Rayan Cherki makes Newcastle United transfer decision

Lyon ace Rayan Cherki has been on the Magpies’ radar since 2023. The Olympic medallist could be forced to leave the Ligue 1 club due to severe financial difficulties, which could see them relegated to France’s second-tier despite a positive season on the pitch. They currently sit sixth in the table.

Newcastle considered signing Cherki in early 2025, but PSR restrictions halted any potential incomings during the winter window.

On deadline day in January, it was revealed that Lyon rejected Borussia Dortmund’s approaches for Cherki, leaving the door open for Newcastle to swoop in this summer. However, it looks like the 21-year-old has his sights set on another Premier League club.

According to Give Me Sport, Cherki has decided that he wants to join newly crowned champions Liverpool this summer, despite his agents having discussions with several other English clubs.

While it was initially believed Cherki would cost Newcastle £19m this summer, the report claims that the youngster, who has 18 goal involvements in Ligue 1 this season, will cost £25m instead.

Furthermore, there was interest from Manchester United, but their admiration has since ‘faded’. Elsewhere, Tottenham remain interested alongside Newcastle.

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How Arne Slot feels about signing Newcastle United-linked Rayan Cherki

Liverpool have undoubtedly become a more attractive club following their Premier League title-winning season. Arne Slot has done a lot without making many significant changes to his squad.

Cherki wants in on the action and a chance to win trophies on Merseyside. While the interest is there from one party, there could be some reservations on the other side.

From the same Give Me Sport report, there is some scepticism over whether Slot is happy to bring the young winger to England this summer, as the Dutchman needs to run personality checks and look to specific traits before bringing him in.

Cherki can play as an attacking midfielder and on either wing, but he has played most of his games on the right wing this season, which could mean he may not receive as much game time as he would like due to Mohamed Salah’s contract extension.