France are the new champions of the world.
After a thrilling World Cup tournament, Les Bleus emerged victorious following their 4-2 win over Croatia in Moscow.
With events in Russia now at an end, football fans can switch their attention back to the transfer market.
During the World Cup, there were a few big moves and the market is expected to kick into overdrive in the next month.
One of France’s squad is still deeply involved in a transfer saga, with Lyon’s Nabil Fekir still thought to be keen on a move to Liverpool.
Prior to the World Cup, Fekir was on the brink of a switch to Anfield, reportedly even conducting his first interview with LFC TV.
However, Lyon moved swiftly to deny the move but fans have been quietly optimistic that Liverpool would try and get him again.
And supporters couldn’t quite believe what famous commentator Martin Tyler said about the Fekir deal live on Australian TV.
On commentary for SBS Australia, Tyler said: “The reason Fekir hasn’t moved already from Lyon to Liverpool is the structuring of the deal.
“Liverpool a bit suspicious about a problem that surfaced in a medical. They will take him, but payments will have to be in stages. He has proved his availability of a regular basis.”
Where on earth did that come from?!
Had it been any other commentator, the words would have instantly been dismissed.
But given Tyler’s standing in the football world and his connections with all those at Sky Sports, there may be some serious truth in there.
Naturally, Liverpool fans got a little bit excited.
LIVERPOOL FANS REACT
Martin Tyler confirming #Fekir transfer on air. https://t.co/x0c1mH39hO
— PassionTransfer (@PassionTransfer) July 16, 2018
If you think I’m going to believe Martin Tyler, speaking on Australian television, suggesting Liverpool will sign Nabil Fekir.
You’d be absolutely correct. https://t.co/ry8CCk96CH
— Ben Webb (@BenWebbLFC) July 15, 2018
Martin Tyler just said Liverpool will get Fekir but payments will be made in installments
HUNNNNNNNNNNN 💉💉💉💉💉
— Merna Dawood (@merna_dawood96) July 15, 2018
Good old Martin Tyler looks to start the ball rolling by saying Liverpool will get Fekir and pay in installments over the length of the players contract… #thetruthisouttherefekir
— On The Bench LFC (@OnTheBenchLFC) July 15, 2018
Martin Tyler said "Liverpool will get Nabil Fekir from Lyon, they will pay the price in installments over the course of his contract with the club"
Did Martin Tyler just break the Fekir deal? #LFC
— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) July 15, 2018
Martin Tyler talking very openly about @NabilFekir and his possible move to @LiverpoolFC. Stated they are in negotiations. Very good news? He in the know? #lfc #fekir
— Josh Ocampo (@josh_ocampo) July 15, 2018
It’s probably the most bizarre twist yet in the Fekir saga.
Despite the fact Jurgen Klopp’s side announced the signing of Xherdan Shaqiri a few days back, a move for the Frenchman would still be hugely beneficial.
Fekir would give the squad depth in a variety of positions and would be a huge upgrade on pretty much most of the players available to the manager.