Lyon calls ‘fake news’ on Fekir move to Liverpool

LONDON: French club Lyon denounced “fake news” Friday amid reports that captain Nabil Fekir’s signature for Liverpool in a £ 53 million ( US$ 71 million, 60 mi l lion euro) deal was imminent.

“In this period of transfers when the slightest rumour is often presented as reality, Lyon would like to underline t h at on ly i n format ion released on the club’s website is reliable,” the club said in a statement.

Lyon categorically denied as “fake new” media reports suggesting that a transfer would take place within hours which would bring 24-year- old Fekir to Anfield once he has finished duty for France at the World Cup in Russia.

Lyon chai rman JeanMichel Aulas told AFP in a statement that “no deal has been done, and certainly not at the price” of 70 mi l lion euro ( US$ 82 million) given by the French sports newspaper L’Equipe.

Fekir, who can play in both midfield or attack, is wanted by Liverpool to fill the creative void lef t by the January departure of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona.

The Merseysiders were reported to be keen to close the deal before Fekir jets off to Russia following France’s f i nal warm- up f riendly against the United States in Lyon on Saturday.

Fekir scored 24 goals this season to help qualify Lyon for the Champions League by finishing third in Ligue 1. — AFP