Liverpool have made a significant breakthrough in their pursuit of Lyon star Nabil Fekir, according to the Daily Mirror.
Jurgen Klopp has already secured the services of defensive midfielder Fabinho and his now focused on making France international playmaker Fekir his second major signing of the summer.
The German has identified Fekir as the natural replacement for Philippe Coutinho who joined Barcelona in January, although the 24-year-old is also capable of playing in a more advanced position and could deputise for striker Roberto Firmino.
More: Football
The Mirror claim Lyon had been unwilling to enter into serious negotiations before the start of the World Cup but report that Fekir has now made it known that Liverpool are the only club he is willing to join.
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The French clubs president Jean-Michel Aulas is notoriously difficult to negotiate with but the Mirror claims he is now willing to let his star player depart, as long as Liverpool meet his valuation, although the Anfield club are said to be hopeful of agreeing a fee in the region of £50million.
Liverpools Sporting Director Michael Edwards will continue to push for an agreement before the World Cup but it is likely now that a deal will not be finalised until Frances involvement in Russia is over.
Klopp is also considering a move for Stoke Citys Xherdan Shaqiri who has a release clause in his contract understood to be set at about £12m-£13.5m that can be activated after the club lost their Premier League status at the end of last season.
More: Liverpool FC
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Liverpool have made a significant breakthrough in their pursuit of Lyon star Nabil Fekir, according to the Daily Mirror.
Jurgen Klopp has already secured the services of defensive midfielder Fabinho and his now focused on making France international playmaker Fekir his second major signing of the summer.
The German has identified Fekir as the natural replacement for Philippe Coutinho who joined Barcelona in January, although the 24-year-old is also capable of playing in a more advanced position and could deputise for striker Roberto Firmino.
More: Football
The Mirror claim Lyon had been unwilling to enter into serious negotiations before the start of the World Cup but report that Fekir has now made it known that Liverpool are the only club he is willing to join.
Advertisement Advertisement
The French clubs president Jean-Michel Aulas is notoriously difficult to negotiate with but the Mirror claims he is now willing to let his star player depart, as long as Liverpool meet his valuation, although the Anfield club are said to be hopeful of agreeing a fee in the region of £50million.
Liverpools Sporting Director Michael Edwards will continue to push for an agreement before the World Cup but it is likely now that a deal will not be finalised until Frances involvement in Russia is over.
Klopp is also considering a move for Stoke Citys Xherdan Shaqiri who has a release clause in his contract understood to be set at about £12m-£13.5m that can be activated after the club lost their Premier League status at the end of last season.
More: Liverpool FC
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