Liverpool round-up: Fekir discusses speculation; three goalkeepers linked; Salah injury update

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As speculation mounts linking Liverpool with a summer move for Lyon captain Nabil Fekir, the Frenchman has spoken out to deny that an agreement for him to move to Anfield is close. It is the first time that the playmaker has spoken about the rumours in an interview on French television.

“I’m not close to the Reds. There are talks with clubs. I will take time to reflect on things,” he told Telefoot, as translated by the Independent. Fekir is believed to be one of the club’s top targets and is seen as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho, who departed the club in January for Barcelona.

Perhaps unsurprisingly after the Champions League final in which goalkeeper Loris Karius dropped two clangers, the Mirror say that Liverpool are upping the ante in their hunt for a new goalkeeper. The newspaper says that both Atletico Madrid shotstopper Jan Oblak and Roma’s Brazilian ‘keeper Allison Becker are being considered.

La Repubblica from Italy have also got in on the act, suggesting a third name in the form of AC Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma. They say that initial contact has been made with the youngster’s agent, Mino Raiola.

All three reported targets would suggest that the club are prepared to spend big to secure a deal as The Times say that Allison would cost £80 million, AS believe that Jan Oblak’s release clause stands at £87.4 million and Corriere dello Sport say that Donnarumma would come cheapest at £61.2 million.

There is good news for Reds fans too though, as Mohamed Salah’s agent has stated that he believes that the Liverpool forward will return to fitness in time to feature for Egypt at the World Cup this summer after dislocating his shoulder in the Champions League final. Ramy Abba Issa has spoken out, saying “he’s confident he’ll make it, and that should do it,” as quoted by the Express.

Salah was fundamental to securing qualification for Egypt for the first time since 1990 and his absence would be a huge blow to both club and country after a prolific domestic campaign.