Rayan Cherki's chances of quitting Man City for new club revealed
Rayan Cherki could push to leave Manchester City if they are relegated from the Premier League, sources have told Football Insider.
The 23-year-old's reputation has skyrocketed since his move to the Etihad, and clubs across Europe are keeping a close eye on his situation in case he becomes available.
The France international is unlikely to be the only high-profile name at the Etihad who will look to move on, as concerns continue to build despite the club maintaining their innocence.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Cherki is unlikely to stick around if Man City are relegated from the Premier League.
After being found guilty of all 115 charges related to breaches of the Premier League's financial rules, there is a growing expectation that they could soon suffer relegated.
Whether they are kicked out of the top flight or handed a hefty points deduction, dropping into the Championship or even lower could see players force moves elsewhere.
Could Man City be forced to sell players?
Football Insider revealed on 3 October that Man City could be set to lose all of their top stars if they are relegated to the Championship as they aim to play at the highest level.
Cherki is almost certain to be among those, having lit up the Premier League since his move from Lyon, and is not expected to have any shortage of suitors.
His performances for Man City have placed him high on the radar of top European clubs as well as English clubs, who could move to take advantage of this unprecedented situation.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "These top clubs across Europe will be keeping a watching the situation at City to see what does happen to the club.
"The vultures will be circling and they will be ready to pounce if the door opens that their players could be available in the near future.
"Cherki is a top player, he proved it last season, his first season in the Premier League, when he was outstanding for Man City.
"A French international, he's an absolute proven quality so look any club would be delighted to have the opportunity to sign someone like Ryan Cherki.
"Whether that's in the Premier League or abroad, I'm sure there'll be a lot of clubs who would be interested in signing the mercurial Frenchman as well.
"If City are demoted down the leagues or meaning that they can't qualify for the Champions League as well, these players you'd imagine at some point will want to move on.
"Cherki and his teammates joined the club to play at the highest level, to compete for trophies, and if that's not the case going forward, then it's inevitable that some players will have to leave.
"They will seek moves away and I'm sure that's what all these top clubs across Europe are waiting to see what happens and they will be ready to move."
Which clubs are interested in signing Cherki?
Cherki is expected to have no shortage of suitors if he becomes available as a result of Man City's situation, although there is plenty of water to pass under the bridge until then.
In the Premier League, the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have both been tipped to move for the Frenchman, while Real Madrid and PSG have been discussed previously.
Meanwhile, Football Insider reported last month that Bayern Munich could make a move to lure Cherki away from the Etihad and believe they would be well-placed to do so.
Vincent Kompany is believed to be a huge admirer of the attacking midfielder, who could link up with similar players in Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala.
Whether Bayern would be able to get a deal done remains to be seen, but if Man City suffer relegation from the Premier League, that door could be set to open.