Newcasrle United reported transfer target Rayan Cherki will need 'tough love' to survive in the Premier League as a host of clubs weigh up a move for the talented French youngster.

The 21-year-old has been on United's radar for some time and has hinted that he may leave Lyon this summer after a sensational season in Ligue 1. Cherki has hit 12 goals and an

incredible 20 assists in 44 appearances for the French outfit this term - and has a cut-price €22.5m release clause. That has alerted Newcastle and Premier League rivals Manchester United,

Tottenham, Aston Villa and Liverpool, along with interest from Borussia Dortmund in Germany. His message following Lyon's final-day win over Angers last week has been interpretted by

L'Equipe: "Everyone knows what he can do. And this season, he has shown that he also knows how to do what is expected of him without the ball, that is to say, adapt to a system.

"His problem was that he had never been able to play a string of matches to show what an extraordinary player he is. But to play a string of matches, he had to do things, defensively,

throughout the duration of a match. This season, he did it, so he played a string of matches. I appreciate this kid so much... It's just that at certain times, you had to be tough, like

a father with his son. “For me, we're talking about a guy who should have been battling with the others, at the very top, for a long time to see who is the best. He fell behind because

it took him a while to understand... But now, he's understood.” Cherki's record for France Under-21s is just as impressive as his Lyon stats this season. He has played 23 times

for the young French team and scored 13 goals, with a call up to the national side expected in the coming weeks. The statistics certainly back up Henry’s assessment. Cherki has scored 13

goals in 23 games for France Under-21s and is now expected to be called up to the senior Les Bleus squad this summer.