Liverpool are pushing to get a deal done to sign Lyon midfielder Nabil Fekir before he departs for the World Cup with France, Sky sources understand.
There is no deal yet in place between the relevant parties, but Liverpool are expected to try to finalise an agreement before Saturday.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has ruled out finding a resolution before the World Cup begins, though, saying the deal is at a “standstill”.
“Nothing has happened,” he told the French club’s official website on Thursday.
“The whole thing will certainly not be completed during the World Cup, and I don’t think anything will change before it.
“We haven’t set a starting price because we haven’t discussed that yet.”
Fekir’s agent has confirmed Liverpool are interested in signing the Lyon midfielder but also warned a deal was far from done earlier this week.
“Talks with Liverpool will only happen when there is an agreement with Lyon and Jean-Michel Aulas gives the green light,” Jean-Pierre Bernes told French outlet Le Progres>>>>>.
“Liverpool’s interest exists, but for now nothing is done. The transfer window is long. Other clubs could show interest.”
Fekir scored 21 goals and added nine assists in 39 appearances for Lyon last season.
Liverpool have already signed Fabinho from Monaco for £43.7m this summer, while Naby Keita is also arriving after a deal was agreed with RB Leipzig last summer
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