Talks opened: Liverpool now make approach to £19m "wizard" likened to Messi

Liverpool have opened talks over a deal for an attacking midfielder, who has now been told he can leave his club for a fee of just £19m this summer, according to a report.

Reds set sights on attacking midfielder

In recent days, the Reds’ pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong appears to have gained traction, with a move for the Dutchman, who is set to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, now edging closer after advanced talks were held.

However, Frimpong is not the only Leverkusen star who could be on his way to Anfield this summer, with Arne Slot also looking to bring in a new attacking midfielder, and talks have been opened over a deal for Florian Wirtz.

That said, the German will not be cheap, with a £126m price tag mooted, so FSG could also look at bringing in a low-cost alternative, and an approach has now been made over a different attacking midfielder, who could be available for a bargain fee.

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Liverpool are ready to begin their summer shopping spree.

According to a report from France (via The Boot Room), Liverpool have now opened talks over a deal for Lyon star Rayan Cherki, who has been informed he can leave the French club for a fee of just £19m this summer.

Cherki has just 12 months remaining on his Lyon contract, which means he is set to be allowed to leave for a very low price at the end of the season, and the Reds are now in discussions to bring the attacking midfielder to Anfield.

There may be competition for the Frenchman’s signature, however, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City also making contact to ask about a potential deal.

“Wizard” Cherki draws comparisons to Lionel Messi

The 21-year-old has enjoyed an extraordinary season with Lyon, picking up 31 goal contributions in 43 appearances in all competitions, having particularly caught the eye with his displays in the Europa League.

Such is the starlet’s ability, he has received very high praise from teammate Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who said: “He is the best natural talent I’ve ever seen. An absolute master, a wizard with the ball.”

“He is two-footed, has no fear, keeps going and going, can get past people with such ease, such finesse.”

Former Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has even gone as far as likening the youngster to one of the greatest-ever players in the past, saying: “Cherki is comparable to (Lionel) Messi in terms of technical quality.”

A fee of just £19m could be an absolute steal for a player with the potential of Cherki, and a move to Anfield would surely be a very attractive proposition for the playmaker, given that Liverpool defied expectations to secure a record-equalling 20th league title this season.