FTN: Latest on Nabil Fekir, Sokratis, Ings and Khazri

Battle for Fekir

Liverpool’s top transfer target Nabil Fekir could move to Manchester United instead. The president of Lyon has advised that he has held talks with United boss Jose Mourinho. With Liverpool and Lyon failing to agree on a fee, Lyon’s president appears to be wasting little time in his efforts to sell the France international.

Liverpool fans seemed convinced that a deal was close, especially after images began to circulate of the player in a Reds home kit. However, it now appears that United are at the head of the queue. It’s now up to Mourinho if he wants to the player.

Khazri Close to Move

Tunisian forward Wahbi Khazri could finally be set to leave Sunderland on a permanent basis. The player who spent last season on loan at French club Rennes has said he wants to leave permanently. His agent requested that he leave on a free transfer but Sunderland rejected this insisting they want a fee for a player still under contract with the club.

St Etienne are believed to be front-runners for Khazri’s signature but Rennes and Turkish outfit Besiktas are also interested. Marseille and Lyon are also believed to be monitoring the situation. With Tunisia out of the World Cup, negotiations could now pick up pace. If any team interested offer Sunderland their asking price, believed to be at least £5 million, then a deal could be completed sooner rather than later.

Arsenal Close in on Sokratis

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that Sokratis Papastathopoulos is close to agreeing a deal with Arsenal. Although a deal is yet to be finalised for the Greek international, Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc believes the two clubs and player are inching towards a deal. The move is expected to be announced within the next week.

Serie A champions Juventus were also interested in the defender, however, it is understood they have turned their attention elsewhere. This leaves Arsenal as the front-runners for his signature.

Ings to Leave Liverpool

Striker Danny Ings is set to leave Liverpool in search of first-team football. He has had an injury-plagued time at Anfield and has made just six Premier League starts in three years. Ings ruptured his cruciate ligaments during Jürgen Klopp’s first training session. He returned over a year later only to suffer cartilage damage.

Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and his former team Burnley have been linked with the forward. He currently has two years left on his existing contract, however, it is understood that Liverpool will not ask for a large fee to allow the player to move on swiftly.