Pep Guardiola has already spoken to Rayan Cherki as Man City move ahead of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund in race to sign Kevin De Bruyne replacement from Lyon

According to Foot Mercato, City have marched ahead of the likes of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund in the race for Cherki. The 21-year-old is said to have agreed to the transfer after personal contact with manager Guardiola, who is in need of new recruits after a disappointing campaign.

City ended the Premier League campaign in third place after a mid-season slump saw them fall way behind eventual champions Liverpool in the race for the title. Legendary midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed his exit after his contract expired and more creativity is being sought from the transfer market. Cherki would add another threat from midfield, having contributed eight goals and 11 assists during the recent Ligue 1 campaign.

Liverpool have also been linked with Cherki but look to be focused on first securing a deal for Florian Wirtz, having submitted a mammoth €130m bid for the Bayer Leverkusen star.

Cherki is yet to make his debut for the senior France team but has been included in Didier Deschamps' squad for the Nations League finals in Germany in early June. City, meanwhile, will keep trying to strengthen their squad and reportedly have their sights on Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.