Real Madrid to step up interest in Lyon attacker

Real Madrid are reportedly deemed frontrunners to acquire the services of former Liverpool target Nabil Fekir from Lyon in the forthcoming transfer window.

Los Blancos are yet to find a suitable replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who left for Juventus during the summer and this may witness them enter the transfer market at the turn of the year, L'Equipe reports.

According to the French publication, Fekir has been identified as the prime target for the Capital outfit ahead of the winter transfer window and he could be available for just half of the £100m fee acquired from the sale of Ronaldo.

Fekir came on the brink of joining Liverpool during the previous transfer window but a £53m move was scuppered at the final hurdle after the Reds had concerns regarding his fitness record.

The France World Cup winner has since returned to his usual self for Lyon, playing a part in six goals including the eventual winner in the shock 2-1 win over Manchester City in the Champions League opener.