Newcastle United learn fee for player likened to Hatem Ben Arfa as club weighs up January move

Recent news out of France has alerted many clubs to potential bargains from Ligue 1 outfit Olympique Lyonnaise as the French giants have been threatened with relegation to Ligue 2.

Lyon are over £400 million in debt and if they aren't able to bring their finances under control before the end of the season they will be automatically demoted to Ligue 2.

It's not quite as severe as the fate that befell Bordeaux, who had to surrender their professional status, but it's less than ideal however you look at it.

Player sales are always going to be the fastest way for clubs to raise funds, but Lyon won't want to have a fire sale, losing their top players for next to nothing.

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Rayan Cherki has often been compared to Hatem Ben Arfa

That being said, one player Newcastle have had their eye on for a long time now is Rayan Cherki, and Lyon's misfortune could be to Newcastle's advantage.

The winger has often been compared to Newcastle fan-favourite Hatem Ben Arfa, although just as much for his temperament than his skill, but despite this, Newcastle have been keeping an eye on the 21-year-old.

iNews has reported that Newcastle are keeping an eye on the situation and could look to make a bid in the winter window with Foot Mercato claiming that a fee of £25 million could be enough to tempt Lyon into selling.

Rayan Cherki could be a huge star in the future

For a young player with Cherki's skills, £25 million isn't a huge sum of money at all and if Eddie Howe can manage his reported poor attitude then Newcastle could be onto a winner.

Capable of playing on both flanks as well as through the middle as an attacking midfielder, Cherki could be a quality squad addition for now and a huge player for the future.

We certainly back Eddie Howe to get the best out of him should Newcastle manage to land the France U21 international.