Liverpool make good progress on deals for Fekir and Shaqiri

Liverpool could wrap up deals for Lyon captain Nabil Fekir and Stoke City ace Xherdan Shaqiri before the World Cup starts in seven days, claims The Independent.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have already signed Fabinho from Monaco and are pushing to get the bulk of their business down before the 2018 World Cup kicks off in Russia next Thursday.

Liverpool opted against replacing Philippe Coutinho in January when the Brazilian joined Barcelona but have since made Nabil Fekir their top target to succeed the 25-year-old.

Fekir is coming off the back of his best ever campaign and Liverpool have been given huge encouragement in their attempts to sign the France international after Lyon’s president conceded the 24-year-old has his heart set on a move to Anfield.

Liverpool have also entered the race to sign Shaqiri from Stoke, as the Switzerland international has a £12m release clause following the Potters relegation to the Championship last season.

Despite questions over whether the former Bayern Munich creator would suit Liverpool’s system, Klopp’s side believe there is little risk in signing the 26-year-old due to his release clause.

Shaqiri’s preference is to remain in the north west, which would give Liverpool the upper hand over Premier League rivals Tottenham, who have also been credited with an interest.

Despite Stoke’s miserable campaign, Shaqiri managed a direct hand in 15 goals in 36 Premier League appearances for Stoke last season, at least five more than any other team-mate.