Chelsea are due to open talks with Lyon over the transfer of Nabil Fekir, according to reports.

Liverpool came close to landing the Lyon midfielder earlier this summer, however his proposed £53 million move to Anfield collapse at the last minute.

And ExpressSport now report Chelsea are set to steal Fekir from under their rival’s noses.

They claim the Blues will try and open channels with Lyon over a deal for Fekir today, only hours before the two sides meet at Stamford Bridge Chelsea’s final game of pre-season.

Chelsea are understood to be willing to offer as much as £55 million to lure Fekir to South West London, with manager Maurizio Sarri aiming to end the summer on a high note in the transfer market after an otherwise quiet few months.

To further fuel rumours Fekir is Chelsea bound, the 25-year-old has been left out of Lyon’s squad for the clash at Stamford Bridge tonight.

Fekir only just returned to training with the Ligue 1 side after lifting the World Cup with France this summer, and has been left behind to work on his fitness before returning to action.

Fekir scored 23 times in all competitions for Lyon last season, as Les Gones finished third in Ligue 1 and reached the last 16 of the Europa League.