According to Caughtoffside, Chelsea are now in direct club-to-club talks over transfer of Lyon star Rayan Cherki.

Cherki has long been on the Blues’ radar, and there were recently initial conversations via intermediaries, though they are now negotiating directly with Lyon.

Lyon are reportedly asking for €50million for the transfer of Cherki though Chelsea feel a deal could be done for closer to €40m.

Cherki, who has a contract with Lyon until 2025, has impressed hugely in Ligue 1 and Milan have also shown an interest in him, though Chelsea are currently ahead in the running.