Liverpool are ready to build on their Champions League run by securing the services of Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir.

The club will step up the pursuit of the Frenchman after Saturday's final in Kiev and are confident they can fend off competition for the exciting 24-year-old.

Negotiations are to speed up from next week on an expected £60 million deal. While Liverpool seek to demonstrate their improvement on the pitch by beating Real Madrid, completing the transfer of Fekir would show that they mean business off it.

The Anfield recruitment team, led by sporting director Michael Edwards and Fenway Sports Group president Michael Gordon, are advanced in their planning for next season, eager to build on this year’s success.

Liverpool still crave what is generally referred to around the club, even among the executives, as “No 19”. Liverpool’s last league title, their 18th, was won in 1990 but there is a significant points gap to bridge to catch Manchester City.