Long-running rumours linking Liverpool to Max Meyer are edging ever closer to finally be quashed.
The German midfielder has flirted with a move to the Premier League in recent years, with Anfield often surfacing as a possible destination.
That trend displayed signs of reigniting earlier in the season when it appeared Meyer would not be extending his Schalke contract beyond its expiry this summer.
Meyer has endured a lacklustre season by his standards having seemingly been in dispute with his Bundesliga employers over his uncertain future.
His ineffectiveness subsequently saw him left out of Germany’s squad for the World Cup, presenting a new challenge elsewhere as a necessary step towards revitalising his international career.
Liverpool, Arsenal, Atlético Madrid and Fenerbahce all rebuffed the opportunity to sign Meyer due to his high wages, paving the way for Marseille to move into pole position, according to German outlet Bild.
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Reports earlier this year claimed Meyer had agreed a deal to sign for Schalke’s rivals Hoffenheim, before expressing a preference to join AC Milan.
It may be that a failed move to Hoffenheim is related to highly-rated manager Julian Nagelsmann agreeing to take over at RB Leipzig in 2019.
Liverpool’s search for further midfield reinforcements is likely to entail more attack-minded players equipped to fill the club’s no.10 void.
All eyes remain to be on whether a deal for Lyon’s Nabil Fekir can be resurrected after the World Cup.