Nabil Fekir to Liverpool: Real reason Reds' new signing has been delayed REVEALED

And according to , Lyon are holding off on the official confirmation of Fekir’s move due to financial reasons.

The Ligue 1 outfit denied that any agreement had been reached between the two clubs on Friday morning, thought to because of their status as a publicly listed company.

The Daily Mirror suggest that being a PLC means Lyon must make any announcement of significant business which could affect their share price, such as the club-record departure of their captain, known to the stock exchange first.

That led many to predict that Fekir’s arrival would be announced after 5pm UK time on Friday, following the closure of the stock market.

But late last night fresh reports revealed that there has been an unspecified delay in the deal - following fear of concerns over an old injury the 24-year-old sustained to his right knee.

Liverpool refused to comment on the situation but the Liverpool Echo say that after consulting a second medical opinion, fears over the problem were allayed.

Instead, French outlet RMC say that Lyon cannot announce a deal before the official opening of the transfer window - this Saturday, June 9 - because they are a PLC.

Additionally, Lyon are said to be keen to ensure the transfer goes into next season’s accounts - which would postpone any announcement until beyond June 30.

Lyon’s profitable sales of Alexandre Lacazette and Corentin Tolisso last summer mean that they are already in excellent financial shape for the 2017-18 season.

And RMC say that Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, renowned for being difficult to negotiate with, is keen to boost next year’s figures with the profits of Fekir’s sale. 

The play-maker completed a medical in Paris on Friday morning after Liverpool flew medical staff out to the French capital alongside sporting director Michael Edwards.

It is believed that Fekir has agreed personal terms on a five-year deal thought to be worth £140,000-a-week while the a fee between the two clubs is £48.4m up-front and an extra £4.4m of potential add-ons.

Fekir - who scored 23 goals last term - has been identified as Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice Philippe Coutinho replacement with Liverpool without a No 10 since the Brazilian left for Barcelona in January.

If he does sign, the Lyon captain will become Liverpool’s second most-expensive signing after Virgil van Dijk - though a deal could now have to wait until after France’s World Cup campaign comes to an end. 

Fekir’s France play the United States in a final World Cup warm-up friendly in Lyon on Saturday before jetting off to Russia for the tournament.