Liverpool have reportedly been dealt a huge transfer blow in their pursuit of OGC Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram.
The Reds are poised to take the next step in their midfield rebuild after completing the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month, and the ECHO understands that Thuram is near the top of the Reds' midfield shortlist.
Thuram is currently on international duty with France Under 21s at the European Championships, and Sports Zone is reporting that Nice are looking to keep the 22-year-old for a further year. The report claims that the midfielder 'does not want to deal with his club future' until he returns from international duty, a decision that was taken by his father Lilian.
Speaking at the UNFP Trophies ceremony back in May, Thuram committed his immediate future to Nice. He said: "I want to progress, go on the field, and have fun.
READ MORE: Liverpool confirm six new additions for pre-season tour to Singapore
READ MORE: Dream squad numbers still available to new Liverpool signings after Luis Diaz decision
"For now, I'm in Nice. It's going very well. I really like the club, so I still see myself in Nice. I am very well in Nice.
"There are noises, I hear, but I'm happy in Nice. I hope to grow with this club. I would like him (Didier Digard, manager) to stay because he brought a lot to this group when it was in a difficult period.
"I don't know if I tell him enough, but he's someone I can never thank enough. He helped me a lot in difficult times in my young career. We worked a lot together. I wish him only happiness, in Nice or elsewhere."
