The transfer of Liverpool midfielder Fabinho to Al Ittihad is now in 'jeopardy', according to David Ornstein.
The Brazilian midfielder was in talks over a potential £40 million move to the Saudi Pro League, who are managed by former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
He was left out of Liverpool's travelling squad for their pre-season tour of Germany, and has not been in training at the club's AXA Training Centre as talks continued with Al Ittihad.
However, the move is now in severe doubt - for unrelated reasons to previous rumours that an issue over his dogs may prevent a transfer.
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Fabinho transfer 'in jeopardy'
According to Ornstein, writing for The Athletic, there has been a delay to the transfer process. Fabinho is now set to return to Liverpool training on Wednesday.
His team-mates are now back in the UK, meaning the Brazilian is set to be involved with team training.
It is claimed, however, that negotiations and discussions are ongoing with the Saudi Pro League side, and that 'all parties remain committed to [getting a deal] done if possible'.
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Ornstein adds that Fabinho has behaved 'impeccably' throughout the process, and there remains a chance that the deal could be completed.
But for now, the 29-year-old appears set to remain a Liverpool player, at least in the short-term, and potentially cause a change in manager Jurgen Klopp's transfer plans.
Whether the uncertainty that remains over Fabinho's future will hinder previous plans remains to be seen, although the availability of the midfielder will provide a boost for Liverpool as they prepare for the new Premier League campaign.
Captain Jordan Henderson, meanwhile, has agreed terms with fellow Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, who are managed by Steven Gerrard.
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He has agreed terms over a contract worth 'close to' £700,000-per-week and completed a medical, although the deal has yet to be officially announced by either club.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Fabinho, Liverpool, Premier League, Saudi Pro League, Transfers