Liverpool are reportedly yet to bid for Lyon star Nabil Fekir but are planning to step up their pursuit of the Frenchman in the next 10 days with the hope of sealing a deal before the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
According to David Maddock in the Mirror, the £50 million-rated Fekir has told Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas he wants to move to Anfield and is eager for his future to be decided before the start of the Russia tournament on June 14, while Liverpool are looking to open formal talks in the coming week.
Maddock added that Aulas is open to the 24-year-old leaving the club but could stretch out negotiations until after the World Cup, when Fekir’s value may have increased depending on how he performs in Russia.
It had previously been reported that Liverpool had already submitted a bid for the attacking midfielder:
Liverpool have reportedly made an initial €60m bid for Nabil Fekir, according to @le_Parisien pic.twitter.com/zQHHtlKbvl
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 30, 2018
He enjoyed a superb Ligue 1 campaign in 2017-18, as he netted 18 goals and provided eight assists in 30 appearances.
Versatile enough to operate on the right flank, as a No. 10 or as a central striker, Fekir could be the ideal candidate to bolster Jurgen Klopp’s already-thrilling attacking line of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
Liverpool are lacking the squad depth to properly compete for the Premier League title while also fighting for domestic and European cup competitions.
However, they have already confirmed the summer arrivals of midfielders Naby Keita and Fabinho.