Lyon boss makes Rayan Cherki January transfer admission amid Liverpool 'interest'

Olympique Lyonnais head coach Pierre Sage tentatively stated his belief Rayan Cherki will remain with the club throughout the January transfer window. This comes after the French club were handed severe penalties, and Liverpool were said to have ramped up their interest.

Lyon are facing demotion from Ligue 1 at the end of the season after they were hit with sanctions by French football’s financial watchdog the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG). Speaking following the announcement, Lyon owner John Textor, who recently tried to purchase Everton, said there is 'no chance' the club will be relegated.

“We will not be relegated, there is no chance,” the American said, as reported by L’Equipe. “I know that our situation makes some sceptical. I prefer the Premier League system which punishes clubs differently.

“We have resources that go well beyond the club. Even if we fail on all our global initiatives, of €700 million, our owners will not let the group sink. There is no chance of being relegated.”

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But the uncertainty has led to speculation around Cherki's future, with reports suggesting Liverpool could swoop for the 21-year-old. The Reds took an opportunistic approach to the summer market when reaching a pre-agreement for Giorgi Mamardashvili's arrival, then completed the full signing of Federico Chiesa.

It has been suggested such a stance will continue to be taken heading into the next transfer period by virtue of suggestions Cherki is on club's the radar. The Lyon playmaker is one of several players currently linked with Liverpool ahead of the New Year, said to be available for €30m (£25m).

Suggestions have gone as far to say 'contacts' have been initiated, even at this early stage. His club may be in dire need to raise funds to curb the looming threat of imposed relegation at the end of the season, brought about by French authorities for the hundreds of millions of Euros in debts they owe.

Along with the 21-year-old, teammate Malick Fofana has also been discussed in France as another reluctant sale to elite European clubs that can be made to acquire revenue quickly.

"Will they stay? I think so," Sage responded when asked about the pair at his press conference on Tuesday, though unconvincingly enough for his interviewer to check if he was certain.

"I am sure about thinking [that they will]," the head coach concluded.

Lyon cannot help but remain coy at this precarious time for the club, whilst Liverpool will continue to operate their recruitment processes to the usual level of secrecy. The story of Cherki's future will continue to develop, so long as the current circumstances remain as they are.