Chelsea have begun talks to sign Lyon midfielder Nabil Fekir, according to reports in France.
The 25-year-old was on the brink of joining Liverpool in the summer transfer window after a £53 million fee was agreed with Lyon.
Fekir had completed a medical at France's Clairefontaine training base and even held interviews with Liverpool's media team.
But Liverpool opted not to go through with the deal after concerns were raised over the midfielder's right knee.
Fekir required two operations within the space of 12 months after suffering a cruciate ligament rupture in September 2015.
According to L'Equipe, Chelsea are now leading the race to sign Fekir and have tasked Pini Zahavi, an experienced agent, with getting the deal completed.
And Zahavi has already approached Fekir's representatives to register Chelsea's interest and discuss a potential switch to Stamford Bridge next summer.
Fekir has just 18 months left on his current contract with Lyon and the French club want the midfielder to decide whether he will sign a new deal.
Comments