Khephren Thuram has shared his delight at summer transfer rumours that included suggestions of a move to Liverpool, though ultimately explains he had no intention of leaving OGC Nice.
Heading into the summer transfer window the Reds were linked with numerous midfielders, each of varying profiles and strengths. One example was Thuram, 22, who was freshly named in last season's Ligue 1 Team of the Year and believed to be valued at £25m.
Standing at 6' 4' with the battling, dribbling and passing talents of a box-to-box midfielder, he presented an interesting option. In the end though he was not part of Jurgen Klopp's four-man overhaul - Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai preferred as attack-minded midfielders, 30-year-old Wataru Endo for the defensive side while Ryan Gravenberch mirrors closer to the abilities of the Frenchman.
When a transfer to a major club fails to come to fruition, commitment and confidence can sometimes be called into question. If that was the case with Thuram, he has surely silenced any critics by making known he remains at Nice on his own terms.
As quoted by Get French Football News in a press conference, the midfielder explained: "I think I've started the season well. The team has of course had a very good start to the season. I have developed aspects of my game. Regarding what happened in the transfer window, I decided to stay.
"I wanted to continue to progress at Nice, and progress as a player at this club. Honestly, it made me happy to be linked to all these clubs left, right and centre. It shows I'm doing the right things but as I said, I knew I wanted to stay here."
Thuram talk may or may not reignite close to the next transfer window - that will be a matter of how Liverpool boss Klopp feels his engine room can be further strengthened and the price tags involved in such a venture.
Most recent media speculation has focused on Copa Libertadores-winning defensive midfielder Andre Trindade, who is said to have growing interest from the Premier League.