Lyon star’s father claims 21-year-old turned down Manchester City switch

The father of Lyon star Nabil Fekir has revealed his son turned down a move to Manchester City - despite his representatives trying to force through a move.

The 21-year-old has caught the eye during Lyon's run to the top of Ligue 1 this season, scoring nine goals in 23 appearances.

That form has sparked interest from several of Europe's elite clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester City.

But the forward's father, Mohamed Fekir, has now revealed his son rejected a move to the Premier League champions and has split with his representatives as a result.

"They [the representatives] pushed for him to sign for City," Fekir told Foot Mercato.

"But I told them 'if it is the case that he would go to City and find himself on the bench it does not interest me and it does not interest my son either.

"He loves to play, he does not like to be a substitute. They pushed him to sign for City, that's why he preferred to end things with them.

"Manchester [City] were willing. We discussed this with the scouts, but we prefer that Nabil stays here for at least a year. Now is not the time to go abroad.

"To go to City now would be to commit career suicide."