Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Thomas Lemar talks underway; exciting Nabil Fekir admission

Liverpool transfer news LIVE updates: All the latest from Anfield

Saturday June 2

Thomas Lemar to Atletico Madrid

Liverpool’s long-term pursuit of Monaco star Thomas Lemar looks increasingly unlikely, according to reports in Spain.

The Reds, along with Premier League rivals Arsenal, were heavily linked with the 22-year-old last summer but dropped their interest due to Monaco’s hefty valuation.

Recent reports claimed Jurgen Klopp’s side had renewed their interest in the £101million-rated French international, but the battle could be over already.

That’s because Spanish newspaper AS claim Atletico Madrid have opened negotiations with Lemar’s representatives this week.

The La Liga side want Lemar to sign regardless of whether Barcelona target Antoine Griezmann leaves the club or not.

And the Spanish publication claim Atleti's Director of Sport Andrea Berta has already travelled to France to hold talks with Monaco officials about a potential deal.

Nabil Fekir update

Nabil Fekir has told Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas he wants to join Liverpool.

But Aulas is refusing to sell his man before the World Cup - because he thinks his value could rise in Russia.

The France international is valued at around £50million but Aulas believes that value could sky rocket.

Liverpool want to do their deals as early as possible and already have two key additions in the bag. Naby Keita will join the club from RB Leipzig on July 1 while they last week wrapped up a deal for Fabinho.

While Lyon are keen to wait to see how it develops, Liverpool plan to up their efforts to bring Fekir to Anfield in the next 10 days.

As yet there has been no formal bid for the attacking midfielder and Fekir himself has insisted he won't complete a move until after the World Cup.

Bernard interest

Liverpool and Arsenal are among the clubs fighting to sign Shakhtar Donetsk star Bernard, according to claims from Italy.

The Brazil international has 14 caps but is leaving Shakhtar on a free this summer.

And the tricky winger is attracting attention from England with Italian-based journalist Andersinho Marques claiming both Liverpool and Arsenal are keen.

There is also interest from China in the 25-year-old.

He scored three goals in the Champions League last season as Shakhtar were knocked out in the last 16 by Roma.

One of those goals came in the 2-1 win over Manchester City and he grabbed a double against Feyenoord.