Liverpool have no plans to resurrect a deal for Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir despite claims to the contrary in his native France.
A year ago the Reds were on the verge of completing a £53million transfer – to the extent that the player had been interviewed for club media and been photographed in a shirt – when they pulled out over concerns about a historic knee injury.
Liverpool sought a second opinion after the initial medical and decided not to risk proceeding with such a high-value transfer.
But Press Association Sport understands the club’s stance has not changed since the player failed his medical and the deal was declared dead.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has admitted there is “an understanding” to allow Fekir to leave.
However, with the club still wanting around £45million for a player with just 12 months left on his contract it would benefit the Ligue 1 club if they can generate an auction for his services.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are considering scrapping their Anfield friendly with Schalke as it is just three days before their Friday-night Premier League season-opener at home to Norwich.
Schalke, managed by former Huddersfield boss David Wagner, were due to be the visitors for the only summer friendly at Anfield on June 6 but that has now been thrown into doubt.
A message on the ticket section of Liverpool’s website for the game in question stated “Ticket sales for this fixture have been postponed.”