Liverpool to reignite interest in Lyon star Nabil Fekir

Bengaluru, June 14: European champions Liverpool have reportedly re-ignited their interest in Lyon star Nabil Fekir, but the Reds are now unwilling to pay the £53million fee that was agreed last summer before it broke down.

According to reports in France, Jurgen Klopp is still very keen on the playmaker. A move was close a year ago but fell through at the 11th hour despite the star completing club media as the Anfield side were concerned about an old knee injury of the Frenchman.

But after 12 goals,11 fewer than the season before and nine assists this season, Fekir could finally get his dream move to Merseyside. His market value has dropped, though, because the Lyon captain now has just one year left on his contract.

Fekir was part of the France squad that won the World Cup in Russia. And this term, the 25-year-old played a key role as his side were one of just two teams to beat Manchester City at the Etihad, the other being Crystal Palace. He grabbed a goal and an assist in a 2-1 win in September in the opening round of Champions League group-stage fixtures.

Liverpool and Lyon will face off in a pre-season friendly in Geneva on July 31 and reports suggest that match could hold the key to any potential transfer being done.

The suggestion is that some of the profits made from the game could help make up some of the transfer fee as Liverpool look to get a good deal.

Fekir would be a suitable acquisition for the Reds due to his versatility in attack, his best role is as a No. 10 but can also be deployed as a false No. 9 should Roberto Firmino be unavailable.

Lyon's president Jean-Michel Aulas admitted last month that Fekir will be allowed to go this summer.

He said: "We have an understanding that he can go. Thanks to Nabil for bringing what he brought, we have an understanding to let him go."

Fekir is one of three big-money departures expected at Lyon this summer.

Left-back Ferland Mendy completed his £47m move to Real Madrid yesterday on a six-year deal. And midfielder Tanguy Ndombele is also set to leave with Spurs being touted as his destination.

As reported on Thursday (June 13), Spurs launched a club-record £60m bid to pip rivals Manchester City and Manchester United to the Frenchman's signature.

According to a source at Lyon, they “believe Tottenham are serious about pursuing a deal for Ndombele this window”. Lyon are looking for £65million for the player they bought for just £7million last summer after an initial loan.