Liverpool and Chelsea set to battle for highly-rated French forward - Reports

Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly set to go head-to-head for the signature of highly regarded French attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki. As claimed by Spanish outlet Fichajes.net, the two Premier League clubs are looking to take advantage of Lyon's dire financial situation.

Lyon, one of the biggest and most successful clubs in France, have been provisionally relegated to Ligue 2 owing to their financial situation. The National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) issued a punishment for the club, provisionally.

The seven-time Ligue 1 winners would be relegated to Ligue 2 unless they could demonstrate a healthier financial situation by the end of the season. This means they must sell some of their best players to raise funds.

As claimed by Fichajes.net, Rayan Cherki is a player who looks destined to leave Parc Olympique Lyonnais. Both Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly planning a €20 million offer for the 21-year-old.

Cherki came through the youth ranks at Lyon and has already made 152 senior appearances for the Ligue 1 side. He has scored 19 times for the French outfit in the process, while producing 28 assists.

A technically gifted attacking midfielder, Cherki is capable of playing on either flank as well as a number ten. He is ambipedal, boasts exceptional dribbling ability and also boasts great vision.

Liverpool and Chelsea could both benefit from the acquisition of the French youngster. However, neither of the sides have any shortage of talent in the areas Cherki excels in.

---

Liverpool and Chelsea send scouts to watch teenage Serbian sensation: Reports

Scouts from Premier League giants Chelsea and Liverpool have reportedly been watching Red Star Belgrade wonderkid Andrija Maksimovic. The 17-year-old has made a name for himself in the European circuit with his exploits at a very early age.

The young midfielder caught the attention of European elites during his loan spell with Graficar Beograd last season. He scored nine times and produced three assists in 29 appearances at just 16 years of age.

Maksimovic's stocks have risen significantly this season thanks to his showings for Red Star Belgrade this campaign. He has bagged two goals and provided four assists in 14 appearances for Vladan Milojević's side this campaign.

Thanks to his elegance on the ball, technique and flair, Maksimovic has been dubbed the 'Serbian Lionel Messi'. Capped thrice for Serbia already, he has a bright future ahead of himself and it's no wonder clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea are taking notice.