Liverpool are closing in on agreeing a deal for Lyon attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir, according to reports.

The Frenchman, reportedly valued at €60million by the Ligue 1 club, has been targeted by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp as his next major signing after landing Fabinho from Monaco last week.

It is part of an overhaul of the Anfield outfit’s midfield, with Naby Keita set to join from RB Leipzig after a deal was agreed for the Guinean last summer.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas had claimed earlier on Thursday that the deal was “at a standstill”, seemingly dealing a blow to Liverpool’s hopes with the French club said to be holding out for a bidding war for their captain. Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid have both allegedly registered their interest.

However, both Liverpool and Lyon are determined to complete a deal before the World Cup, with France set to fly out for Russia on Saturday.

Consequently, there is now growing belief that the transfer could be made official before then, with Liverpool staff said to be on standby in order to carry out a medical in France.