Lyon president speaks out on Rayan Cherki transfer as 'priority' Liverpool target emerges

Liverpool are being linked with several potential new signings ahead of the January transfer window. The Reds have less than two months to wait before the window opens and they are able to strengthen their squad.

Arne Slot has been enjoying his first season as Liverpool's new head coach following the departure of Jurgen Klopp in the summer. The Reds are top of both the Premier League and Champions League standings as the November international break goes on.

It remains to be seen what transfer business Liverpool plan on completing when the window opens in the New Year. Federico Chiesa was the only new addition to the squad after Slot's arrival but has been restricted to just three appearances this season due to injury and fitness issues.

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Here, the ECHO are taking a look at some of the latest Liverpool news and transfer gossip that has been swirling over the last 24 hours.

Lyon president John Textor has admitted that Rayan Cherki's future at the Ligue 1 club is uncertain now that they face the very real threat of relegation.

"We lost €15m from his sale last summer… but his value is now way higher," he said via Fabrizio Romano on X. "He should stay in January but it’s up to Rayan, he decides what he wants to do."

The 21-year-old attacker was rumoured to be subject of a Reds enquiry during the recent summer transfer window, at least until Federico Chiesa was recruited from Juventus. He remained with Lyon, who are in severe debt and according to reports now must raise £91m-worth of revenue before the 2024/25 campaign's end or they are going to be sent down to Ligue 2.

Elsewhere, Liverpool are being linked with a move for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato. According to Rousing the Kop, the Reds have identified the centre-back as one of their top transfer targets for next summer.

It has not been specified if Liverpool plan to try and sign Hato in January or wait until next summer. The report claims that the 18-year-old is viewed as a potential long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Van Dijk himself is reported to have offered Liverpool advice on which defenders should be transfer targets heading into the New Year. Hato is predominantly a centre-back for Ajax but is also capable of performing at left-back when required.

TuttoJuve also make similar claims of Reds interest as they make clear Serie A giants Juventus are going to be competition for his signature.