NABIL FEKIR during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 game between Lyon and Villareal - First Round (Photo Stephane GUIOCHON/Maxppp/PA Images)

The latest on Nabil Fekir transfer as Lyon deny agreement

Nabil Fekir was expected to be announced as a Liverpool player on Friday, but that could now be in jeopardy.

Reports on Thursday night from both England and France explained how an initial £48 million fee for the French attacker had been agreed between the two clubs, with the medical to take place at France’s Clairefontaine training facility.

However, Lyon released a Tweet on Friday morning saying that such reports were false, writing:

“The information on the transfer of Nabil Faulkner is false.

Olympique Lyonnais categorically denies the false information disseminated by many media about the transfer of Nabil Faulkner to the Liverpool club.”

Such a strong denial though is likely due to the French club being listed on the stock market, and therefore needing to deny reports until information is officially released.

Perhaps more concerning then are claims on social media that the 24-year-old has potentially failed his medical. Fekir missed a large part of the 2015/16 season after rupturing his cruciate ligament.

Whether these suggestions prove true, only time will tell.

As of 10am, the latest report is from the Guardian‘s Andy Hunter, who says the player is due to undergo a medical and sign terms on Friday.

Liverpool want the deal completed before the World Cup, with Fekir part of the France squad that heads to Russia on Sunday. They play USA on Saturday, so Friday is the final day to get the deal complete.

UPDATE – 10.45am: The Mirror‘s David Maddock says that the deal is still on: “The club are expected to unveil Fekir at some point this afternoon, with officials from Anfield flying out to France conclude formalities and record images of the player’s signing.”

UPDATE – 12pm: This Is Anfield understands the player has definitely conducted his first interview with LFCTV – whether this took place before or after medical results isn’t clear. Liverpool fully expect the transfer to be completed on Friday.

Reports in France suggest the news will not be confirmed until 5pm at the earliest.

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