Nabil Fekir is in Russia as part of France's World Cup squad

Lyon president Jean-Michael Aulas has blamed Liverpool for the breakdown of Nabil Fekir's transfer to Anfield and says Real Madrid are now interested in the 24-year-old.

Fekir was expected to move to Liverpool before the World Cup, but Lyon released a statement earlier this month announcing they had ended negotiations.

Aulas has now shed light on why Lyon took the decision to call off the move, accusing Liverpool of delaying the process.

"It was anticipated at one stage that he could leave for Liverpool. I had given him the green light", he said. "The transfer didn't happen because things took too long."

Jean-Michael Aulas wants to keep Fekir at Lyon

Aulas added that Liverpool allegedly dragging their heels had opened the door to other clubs to try to sign Fekir, including European champions Real Madrid.

He said: "Nabil is an exceptional player. It's true that because a move to Liverpool was not conclusive we sparked the interest of lots of other clubs and not just Real Madrid.

"Everything is possible. My objective is to keep him at the club. I have always listened in priority the players who are, on a relationship level, for me my kids, sons.

"I hope he will stay but if he absolutely wants to leave we will try to find the biggest club in relation to his level."