Nabil Fekir LyonGetty

Fekir urged to stay at Lyon by Aulas

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has reiterated that Nabil Fekir will not be leaving the club this season, suggesting he could extend his contract.

The France international became the subject of interest from Liverpool, who looked set to seal a £60 million ($80m) transfer before Lyon confirmed the deal fell through, even though France FA president Noel Le Graet said a medical had already been completed.

Fekir, 25, has since been linked with a switch to Real Madrid and Lyon coach Bruno Genesio admitted the star player was still considering offers.

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Aulas said earlier this month that he still expects Fekir to remain in Ligue 1 for the time being, and the club chief now insists they will keep the newly crowned World Cup winner.

"In football, nothing is ever stopped," Aulas told Canal+. "Nabil will be here this season, we need him. He is one of the best French players. 

"I immediately told him that if he wanted to stay, we could extend his contract. I had said before that we didn't need to sell.

"The current idea is that we won't let anyone go so we have the best team and strengthen as planned."

Fekir scored 18 goals in 30 Ligue 1 appearances for Lyon last season, setting up a further seven as he captained them to a third-place finish in the French top flight.

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