Richard Hughes ready to pull-off STEAL of the century for Liverpool

This is a bold claim but hear us out, Richard Hughes could be about to pull-off Liverpool's best deal of the century.

In this millennium there have been so many groundbreaking deals in the club's history already. From Fernando Torres to Luis Suarez and Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah - not to mention the club's record-breaking moves for Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk.

READ MORE: Richard Hughes you GENIUS: Tomas Araujo is perfect for Liverpool

Former sporting director and now CEO of Football under FSG, Michael Edwards was renowned for his moneyball style of recruitment that brought in value for money.

Under his leadership, Liverpool practically conquered the transfer market and it's what they are now trying to do with Richard Hughes as well.

After sitting out most of the window last summer to assess the squad this season, the Reds are now ready to go full throttle into the market with plenty of exciting moves being mooted.

But none are as exciting as Liverpool's potential pursuit of Rayan Cherki. Someone who could honestly become the steal of the century in the football world if Hughes can convince him to join the Reds.

We explain why below.

EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool eye Tomas Araujo as an alternative to Dean Huijsen

Why Rayan Cherki could become the steal of the century for Liverpool

According to a recent report, Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing Cherki this summer. Le Parisien have claimed that both Manchester City and Tottenham are also interested in Cherki.

Liverpool may have to compete with the former but the latter isn't really an obstacle in a transfer battle should one ensue.

Hughes' interest is fascinating though. Especially because Cherki feels like a typical moneyball signing.

Hes one of the best attackers in European football at the moment, yet Cherki would cost around just £20m if the above report is to be believed.

In this day and age, that's an absolute bargain. It's probably the best deal of the summer considering Cherki's quality. But if we consider his potential, it could be the best deal of the entire century.

Cherki is just 21-years-old with close to 200 senior appearances for Lyon under his belt already. This season he has 19 assists and 12 goals in 43 matches.

In total he has contributed to a goal or assist every 97 minutes he has spent on the pitch. That's incredibly productive but he isn't just about goals either.

Cherki thrives in one vs one situations, he can operate in the half-spaces and make line-breaking passes to cut through opposition defences.

In terms of his versatility, he can play on the wing, he can be used as a no.10 and even as a false nine. He's small but he's explosive and he's got quick feet to torment any defender even in tight spaces.

At such a young age, he's already so complete. It's absolutely crazy that he's available for £20m in an age where that can't even get you Ben Doak.

Cherki plays with the same guile as Lionel Messi. He's got the vision and elegance of Zinedine Zidane and the explosiveness of Eden Hazard.

There is a player in there, a potential that could see him becoming one of the best in the world.

If Liverpool don't sign him right now, they will come to rue it.

READ MORE: Liverpool ready to sign ‘the best’ in England

It's literally not a hyperbole when we say this would be the best transfer Liverpool have ever done if they can complete it.