Liverpool close in on deal for Nabil Fekir
Liverpool have reportedly reached an agreement with Lyon over a deal to sign Nabil Fekir this summer.
According to claims from French news outlet RMC Sport, as cited by GFFN, the Reds have agreed to pay a huge sum, worth around €70m, to secure Fekir following his impressive season in Ligue 1.
Liverpool are yet to sign a replacement for Philippe Coutinho after the Brazilian joined Barcelona in January, but it seems that Fekir is a top target ahead of the summer transfer window.
It’s claimed by RMC that negotiations have rapidly advanced in recent days, with it being stated that Fekir has already agreed to sign a five-year deal at Anfield.
Fekir has established himself as a talismanic figure for Lyon in recent seasons, with the 24-year-old midfielder enjoying arguably his best campaign to date for the club.
RMC state that former Reds boss Gerard Houllier was a key negotiator in the deal, with the Lyon advisor having spent some weeks in England to ensure that a transfer has been pushed over the line.
When quizzed about his future amid rumours of a summer move to Anfield, Fekir was keen to play down the speculation.
The Mirror report that the French international refused to be drawn into speculation that a big money move to Merseyside is on the cards this summer, and are good odds to do so with a bonus from Coral.
I heard these rumours. For now, I am in Lyon. There are still two games left and we are preparing for them in the best way possible.
Fekir admitted that Lyon qualifying for the Champions League could be enough to keep him at the club beyond the summer.
At the end of the season, we will see. The Champions League with Lyon? Of course I want that. It’s the club of my heart, as you know.
Jurgen Klopp was also cautious when he was questioned about a possible move for the French playmaker, refusing to comment on the speculation.
Chelsea are also said to be keen on a deal to sign the Frenchman and if they can manage to qualify for the Champions League next season, they too could be in a position to make a move for Fekir.
However, it seems like Liverpool are the club who are in pole position to sign the forward and if they can secure Champions League football in the next campaign, we could see Fekir running out at Anfield in the 2018/19 season.