Liverpool are set to push forward with talks to sign Lyon captain Nabil Fekir in a £60 million deal after Saturday’s Champions League final.
The Reds have already lined up the signing of Naby Keita from RB Leipzig for July 1, with the Guinean joining for £52.75 million.
But having lost Philippe Coutinho in January and with key areas needing reinforcement, Jurgen Klopp has set his sights of further additions early in the summer transfer window.
According to widespread sources including the Times‘ Paul Joyce and the Telegraph‘s Chris Bascombe, their priority target at this stage is 24-year-old Fekir.
Fekir finished the season as Lyon’s top scorer with 23 goals, and looked to bid farewell to their supporters when he was substituted in a 3-2 win over OGC Nice on the final day of Ligue 1.
This came after reports, originating in France, of Liverpool’s interest in the versatile midfielder, with the initial suggestion being the two clubs had already agreed a £62 million fee.
If sources closer to home are to be believed, however, no deal is in place at this stage, but the Reds will “step up the pursuit” after the final in Kyiv.
According to Joyce “there is a growing belief at Anfield that they are favourites,” which corresponds with previous reports.
The France international has been touted as a long-term replacement for Coutinho, and given his ability to operate in midfield and further forward in attack this is feasible.
Speaking to RTL Soir on Thursday, Fekir responded to speculation over a move to Merseyside, saying “why not?”
“Later there can be discussions with the [Lyon] president, with my entourage, to make a decision. In life, nothing can be forbidden,” he explained.
Joyce also adds that Klopp is interested in signing a deep-lying midfielder, though Napoli’s Jorginho is expected to join Man City.
He reiterates interest in Roma goalkeeper Alisson, too, but with the Serie A side likely to play hardball he suggests Danny Ward as a possible backup to Loris Karius next season.
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