Nabil Fekir to Liverpool transfer latest: LIVE updates as agreed deal takes another twist

Nabil Fekir to Liverpool updates

Fekir update from France camp

14:30: The French Football Federation’s president Noel Le Graet says Nabil Fekir’s move to Liverpool is still on.

He told Le Progres: "I saw him this morning for 15 minutes.

"He's in the middle of negotiating, I think they will get it done.

"He was confident about it because the medical he underwent was positive."

Fekir injury - what happened?

12:50: We are still awaiting confirmation from Liverpool that Nabil Fekir has signed for the club.

But the longer the wait the greater the worry that Liverpool may have pulled the plug on the deal.

Just to recap, Liverpool’s staff appear to have concerns with Fekir’s knee, which was injured in September 2015.

Fekir tore his ligaments when playing for France in a friendly with Portugal almost three years ago.

The playmaker was in visible pain when he limped off after just 14 minutes but did manage to recover before the end of the 2015/16 season.

Watch Fekir tonight

11:20: When will Liverpool fans be able to watch Nabil Fekir in action? Well, in a few hours!

Fekir is expected to be part of the France side to play USA in a friendly at 8pm tonight.

Now, the game is not being shown on TV or online in the UK.

However, Reds fans in France and the USA can watch Fekir on TF1 and ESPN respectively.

This is assuming he is selected by manager Didier Deschamps, of course.

Fekir position

10:45: We’re still waiting for any confirmation from Liverpool that Nabil Fekir will join the club today.

But Jurgen Klopp has another problem: where to play the France international?

French football expert Julien Laurens says Fekir prefers the No 10 role.

“Where they’re going to play him is another issue and we can debate a lot about that,” Laurens told ESPN FC.

“His best position is behind the striker or behind two strikers like he did in the second half of the season with Lyon this year.

“He has played wide before but he doesn’t like it there.

“That’s not his game really because he doesn’t have the pace that Mo Salah or (Sadio) Mane have for example.

“However, for me if you put Naby Keita and Fabinho in front of that back four and then you’ve got Fekir in a free role and then that front three, then this team looks like the real deal for me.

“Klopp might like a bit of balance to his team with three in midfield but I don’t think Fekir can play like that, with a holding player and two No 8s alongside Fabinho or Henderson for example. That’s not his game.

“But if you give him that free role as a No 10, I think he will shine there.”

Deadline?

10:20: Nabil Fekir to Liverpool may finally have a deadline. Finally.

RMC Sport say Lyon are ready to sell - but not until June 30.

That is because they want to use funds from any potential sale on assets that count as 'next season' signings.

And they have so far refused to sell because the transfer window in France officially opens today. 

Is Nabil Fekir joining Liverpool?

09:30: A £53million deal was agreed between the clubs, as were personal terms with the player.

Fekir had even given an interview to Liverpool's in-house TV channel LFC TV yesterday with screenshots of it emerging online.

Members of the Anfield medical department had spent two days in France to oversee the formalities to wrapping the deal up - only for a knee problem to be found.

It means the move hasn't been announced and remains in limbo. Liverpool are trying to keep the nature of the problem a secret and are refusing to offer any comment.

We'll keep you up-to-date with the latest throughout the day. A reminder: France play USA later with Fekir due to feature...

Is Nabil Fekir injured?

09:25: Fekir would be the second most expensive transfer in Liverpool's history. No wonder fans are frustrated.

They have taken to Twitter in their droves with one writing: "Don't see it happening now me. Too much s*** going round. Clearly something big is holding it up #Fekir.

"I cannot enjoy my day knowing our Fekir dreams could be shattered, announce him or I fight my nan @lfc," wrote another.

A fellow Kopite said: "Fekir actually has to sign today otherwise it’s embarrassing, he’s had his interview, contract and etc, for lfc to potentially bottle it at the last minute? Na announce fekir. @LFC."

While another reasoned: "People are just going to have to get used to the idea that there will be no major announcement on Fekir or a GK now until after the World Cup. Frustrating as that may be to individuals I certainly don't believe it's terminal to our progress."

"As much as it pains me, I don't think Fekir will become a red any time soon," posted another.

Could be a nervy few days... how long will this go on for?

Is Nabil Fekir injured?

09:15: So Fekir sustained a serious right knee injury when playing for France three years ago but the fact he got through the whole of last season, barely missing a game in the process, would suggest it hasn't been hampering him - in the short term at least.

Liverpool had hoped to have got the deal done before the World Cup starts.

Jurgen Klopp has already wrapped up the signings of Naby Keita and Fabinho and he wants his business done early.

The clock is ticking, though, with Fekir heading to Russia next week with Les Bleus for the World Cup.

Didier Deschamps' side have their final warm-up game tonight against the USA and the player, Liverpool and his national team boss all want the transfer sorted before the tournament starts.

'It's a very good deal'

09:00: French football writer Robin Bairner says Liverpool have persuaded Lyon to sell before the World Cup - and it's quite a coup.

He told the Liverpool Echo: “Aulas didn’t want to sell before the World Cup because he was probably quite confident that Fekir will go and have an impact for France because he has been playing well.

“So it’s quite a boon for Liverpool to persuade Aulas to sell.

“He is a guy who drives a hard bargain and is renowned for getting very good prices for his players, and for being very good at negotiating prices for players coming in.

“He’s been one of the top guys in the transfer market for 15-20 years now, not just in France but in Europe, so for Liverpool to persuade him to sell, and for what seems quite a reasonable price, does seem a very good deal.”