Liverpool to step up pursuit of Lyon’s £61m-rated Nabil Fekir

Forward has been named in France’s World Cup squad
Reds keen to replace departed Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool will step up their pursuit of Nabil Fekir after the Champions League final as they look to secure the €70m-rated (£61m) Lyon captain before the World Cup.

Fekir, who has played as an attacking midfielder and forward for his hometown club, is a major summer target for Jürgen Klopp with the Liverpool manager yet to replace Philippe Coutinho.

Liverpool’s finances will also be swelled by around £70m for reaching Saturday’sChampions League final against Real Madrid.

Klopp has already signed Naby Keita from Red Bull Leipzig for this summer, with the Guinea midfielder costing £52.75m, but is keen to strengthen his midfield options in order to challenge Manchester City for next season’s Premier League title.

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The 24-year-old Fekir has enjoyed another excellent season in France and earned a call-up to Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad. The France international is aware of Liverpool’s interest and, when asked about a possible transfer to Anfield by RTL replied: “Why not?”