Report: Liverpool to accelerate negotiations for Fekir after UCL final
Liverpool will begin negotiating in earnest for Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir following Saturday's Champions League final, according to The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe.
The Reds have made Fekir their "No. 1 transfer target," colleague Jason Burt adds, with a deal expected to cost around £60 million.
The added revenue from Liverpool's deep Champions League run should equip the club with enough cash to sign the Frenchman, who recorded 18 goals and eight assists in 30 appearances in Ligue 1 this season.
Fekir also seems to be cognizant of the Merseysiders' interest. When asked about joining the club, the 24-year-old told French outlet RTL, "Why not?"
Fekir would supplement an already dynamic attacking triumvirate and give manager Jurgen Klopp the option to play more than one formation. Considered a fantastic set-piece taker, ambitious dribbler, and selfless passer, he can be used virtually anywhere across the front line.
He would be the obvious, if belated, replacement for Philippe Coutinho, who Liverpool chose not to replace in the January transfer window.
Fekir will represent France at the World Cup and likely start for Didier Deschamps' side in Russia.