Olympique Lyon winger Florent Malouda is a step closer to sealing a move to Liverpool.

The £8million-rated France midfielder looks bound for Anfield in the next week after the French club agreed a similar fee with Benfica for former Liverpool target Simao Sabrosa to replace him.

Malouda, 27, said: "There has been contact with Liverpool although I don't know as yet if they have shown their interest directly to Lyon.

"People make their decisions based on the different leagues in different countries, but I would rather base mine on the club involved. And why not Liverpool? They are a great club."