Liverpool boss could return for Nabil Fekir in January

Liverpool Echo reporter Ian Doyle has claimed that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp could lodge a fresh approach to sign Nabil Fekir when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year. The Reds were on the brink of landing the Lyon captain during the summer but the move fell through before the World Cup after the Reds had concerns over his medical record.

Despite this, the Reds have continued to be linked with the French playmaker and according to Ian Doyle, Klopp could lodge a fresh attempt to sign Fekir at the turn of the year, he said: “Who knows? It might even still be Fekir, although I’d be a little bit surprised if that’s the case come January. What happened with his deal in the summer is a shame – we all know how close he was to joining Liverpool – and he’d have made a positive difference to the Reds, whether that was easing the load across the front three or, as would be more likely, an attacking midfield role. Will Klopp seek a replacement? The long-term answer has to be yes. Klopp identified a shortcoming in his squad and the right player. He went back for Van Dijk and kept his nerve over Alisson.”

After the failure to sign Fekir,“Klopp decided to pursue the signature of Xherdan Shaqiri from Stoke City on a cut-price deal “ and the Swiss international has fared decently whenever he has got the opportunity on the playing field. Nonetheless, the club have not quite managed to find a replacement, who can orchestrate the play similarly to former midfielder Philippe Coutinho and it remains to be seen whether Klopp tries to compensate “ for the Brazilian’s departure“ with another recruit this season.

Fekir has yet to commit to a new contract with Lyon despite his current deal due to expire at the end of next season. The Frenchman has contributed three goals and three assists in eight matches for Lyon this term.