Report: Newcastle retain interest in France wonderkid who has been compared to Hatem Ben Arfa

Newcastle United are among a raft of clubs interested in the 20-year-old France wonderkid from Lyon after eyeing a move last summer.

The Magpies, along with Chelsea looked at Rayan Cherki last year as the France U21 international started to break through to the Lyon first-team, but neither side made a move for the tricky winger in the end, instead opting to follow his progress as the season went on.

Now, Chelsea and Newcastle have, according to HITC, been joined by Paris Saint-Germain, Brentford and Tottenham in coveting the young star.

Former Lyon boss once compared Cherki to Newcastle cult hero Hatem Ben Arfa for his ability to strike a ball like the former fellow Lyon graduate.

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Cherki's attitude makes us question if he's a good fit

However, it is also worth noting that the comparisons with Ben Arfa didn't end with his footballing ability.

Back in November with Newcastle weighing up a January move for Cherki, they were warned against making a move due to the player's attitude by French football expert Johnathan Johnson (via TeamTalk).

“Rayan Cherki is one name whose future could be in doubt, and there’ll be plenty of European clubs monitoring him and other Lyon players because as well because there are real financial difficulties for them.

“Cherki will certainly be one to keep an eye on, though I don’t know for sure if Chelsea plan to come back in for him. The Blues had an interest in him in the past, but one problem is that clubs are becoming increasingly aware that he has massive attitude problems.“

“He doesn’t always conduct himself like he should on the pitch or in training, and there is quite a problematic relationship between the player’s entourage and the club, so that could get in the way of his development.”

Newcastle would do well to swerve this one

With the demands Eddie Howe puts on his players, the commitment he asks for and the intensity he demands in training, it might be best to give Cherki a wide-berth.

He may have all the talent and potential in the world, but if he's not going to put in the graft, he's not going to work at Newcastle.

With PSG interested, he's more than likely to end up there anyway as most French youngsters do before going on to regret it. *cough*Hugo Ekitike*cough*.