Liverpool on brink of £48.4m deal for Lyon midfielder Nabil FekirReds could seal transfer on Friday after positive discussions put France international on verge of Anfield move
Liverpool could complete the signing of Nabil Fekir on Friday as they edge nearer capturing the Lyon attacking midfielder.
Positive discussions have taken place between the clubs in the last 24 hours, with common ground being approached in terms of a fee for the 24-year-old.
It is believed that should the transfer go through, Liverpool would pay 55million euros (£48.4m) up front plus a maximum of 5m euros (£4.4m) in add-ons.
The deal could even be completed as early as Friday, although the next 48 hours is seen as critical.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and sporting director Michael Edwards, who is in Paris, are keen to complete the move before Fekir heads out with France for the World Cup in Russia.
It's understood Liverpool have been given sufficient encouragement to have staff on standby to carry out a medical in France.Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, a renowned tough negotiator, had seemingly dealt a blow to Liverpool on Thursday when he claimed a deal was at a “standstill” and was unlikely to be completed until after the tournament.
However, a determination among both parties for the situation to be resolved as soon as possible has seen Lyon accept there is no guarantee the player's value will increase with his performances in the World Cup.
Now it looks increasingly likely Fekir could be confirmed a Liverpool player in the coming days before France fly out for Russia after their final warm-up friendly against the United States in Lyon on Saturday.
Liverpool have not wasted any time in bolstering this squad this summer, with Fabinho making a £39.3m move from Monaco to join the incoming Naby Keita from RB Leipzig.
Klopp and his recruitment team want to further bolster their attacking options with Stoke City's Xherdan Shaqiri available for around £12m. Gent's Nigeria international winger Moses Simon, valued at £10m, is another option being considered.
Liverpool are also assessing their goalkeeping options with Roma's Alisson Becker and Atletico Madrid keeper Jan Oblak among possibilities, although current asking prices are proving prohibitive.
The Reds, though, are not considering a move for Southampton's Alex McCarthy.
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-brink-484m-deal-lyon-14757938
