Exclusive: Wrexham make move to sign Ligue 1 sensation, £17m will seal deal
Wrexham have registered their interest in signing Angers teenage sensation Sidiki Cherif, sources have told Football Insider.
The 18-year-old has attracted the interest of Newcastle, Sunderland and Fulham after impressing in Ligue 1 this term.
Sources say ambitious Championship side Wrexham have joined the hunt for Cherif after sending scouts to watch him many times this season.
Cherif, 18, has caught the eye of clubs across Europe after scoring three goals in his last six games, including goals against heavyweights Marseille and Monaco.
Wrexham are exploring the European transfer market as they see it as better value for money than the UK market and they are prepared to smash their transfer record for the £17m-rated Cherif.
The Welsh club feel they could steal a march on their rivals by bidding for Cherif in the January transfer window with Angers potentially being forced to cash in on the player to help balance their end of year accounts.
Sunderland and Newcastle seeking to tempt Sidiki Cherif away from Wrexham clutches
Sources told Football Insider that Newcastle and Sunderland are also in the race to sign Cherif in the near future.
The potential signing of the Frenchman could perhaps signal a January exit for William Osula from Newcastle, whilst the Black Cats endeavour to maintain their strong momentum at the start of the Premier League season.
The attraction of playing in the English top-flight could see the number 11 be dissuaded from a move to Wrexham, unless they can guarantee substantial game time.
Presumably, the Angers forward would be far down the pecking order at either of the clubs on Tyneside, despite the allure of playing in the Premier League.
Newcastle January transfer window signals major statement to Premier League
Cherif’s potential move to England, and possibly the Magpies, could be a part of a wider transfer strategy for Eddie Howe‘s side.
Sources told Football Insider that Newcastle are planning to bolster the squad in January, due to significant shortcomings in key positions.
Full-back has been identified as a weak position given recent injuries to Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento as well as bringing in a new striker in case Yoane Wissa is still lacking match fitness.