Nabil FEKIR - 29.08.2015 - Caen / Lyon - 4eme journee Ligue 1 Photo : Nolwenn Le Gouic / Icon Sport

Why claims of Liverpool’s resumed talks for Nabil Fekir can be ignored for now

It has been reported that Liverpool have resumed talks with Lyon over a deal for Nabil Fekir, but speculation should be ignored at this stage.

EDIT: The Telegraph’s Chris Bascombe and the Times’ Paul Joyce have both since reported that there has been no further contact between the two clubs.

An agreement with the Ligue 1 side broke down towards the beginning of June, with the Reds holding reservations over Fekir’s fitness.

Concerns over the attacking midfielder’s long-term knee issues saw Jurgen Klopp‘s side pull out of a deal, but there remain hopes of a renewed bid later this summer.

However, the Mirror have already claimed that talks are back underway, ahead of a hopeful move for the 24-year-old after the World Cup.

John Richardson writes that “in the last few days negotiations have resumed with a belief that a compromise can be hammered out,” with Liverpool having previously “attempted to renegotiate.”

He adds “it can be revealed” that Fekir “had almost put pen to paper and had undertaken an unveiling interview with the club’s in-house television station LFCTV.”

The report continues to detail Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas’ efforts to strike the best deal possible, with the player’s involvement with France in Russia potentially boosting his value.

Furthermore, Richardson touches on rumoured interest from Man United, but the suggestion is that the Reds would be able to seal a deal later this month.

This could heighten anticipation that Fekir could still arrive to take the No. 10 shirt at Anfield, but these claims are seemingly unfounded.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - Tuesday, June 26, 2018: France's substitute Nabil Fekir celebrates his side's goal-less draw during the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Group C match between Denmark and France at the Luzhniki Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Instead, it reads as an overview of the latest rumours regarding Fekir’s future, with United’s ‘approach’ emerging in French publication Les Progres on Saturday.

This was swiftly quashed by Canal+ reporter Romain Collet-Gaudin, who initially broke the story of Klopp’s interest back in May, as he explained how it was “created to push Liverpool to increase their offer.”

Aulas’ hardline stance has been well-documented, but Reds sporting director Michael Edwards had previously agreed a £48.4 million fee with Lyon.

The ‘revelation’ that Fekir was close to signing a contract and had undergone media duties with LFCTV seemingly overlooks the fact this became apparent almost a month ago.

Simply put, the Mirror are hedging their bets, with little to no new information regarding a deal, with the Liverpool Echo‘s James Pearce providing a contrary update on The Redmen TV.

“Liverpool haven’t pursued an alternative since, which makes you think that there’s an outside chance that it could be revived,” he said.

“But I still think it’s unlikely. I’d be surprised, but the transfer market can change very, very quickly.”

Fekir could still be on Liverpool’s radar, and a move could well materialise before August 9, but this is not the breakthrough many are hoping for.

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