It was the dream move that came so close to materialising, Nabil Fekir’s transfer to Liverpool was close to completion before falling apart, which has left the French midfielder struggling to come to terms with his future.

The French international was close to completing a move to Anfield and a deal between the two clubs, as well as personal terms, had been agreed, but alleged problems raised over the player's fitness in a medical caused Liverpool to pull out of the deal.

Fekir had been identified as a potential long-term replacement for Philippe Coutinho and was about join on a five-year deal.

Despite a memorable summer lifting the World Cup with France, Lyon manager Bruno Genesio says his star player has found is hard to deal with missing out on a dream move to the Premier League.

“It is never easy accepting this kind of situation, when you are very near to signing for a club where you want to go,” said the Lyon manager.

“Where you want to reach another level and to give a boost to your career. But as I said, it could have been worse for him. He is at Lyon, at a strong club, he is captain of a team who plays in the Champions League.

“This could be a very important season for Nabil. I haven’t seen any attitudes or signs that make me think he won’t live up to his role the way he did last year.”

Chelsea were reported to show interested in the 25-year-old, but this late attention was too close to the English deadline for anything to materialise.

Fekir came on as a substitute in all of France’s World Cup games bar the semi-final against Belgium and returns to domestic action this weekend after an extended break.