There were reports that a five-year deal was in the offing for the former Manchester City striker, who has hit top form for Nice this season with 17 goals. “Beyond our affection, esteem and liking for this boy it’s a fantasy football story,” Marotta told Mediaset Premium on Monday. The 27-year-old left Liverpool on a free transfer in August 2016 to join Nice, who are sixth in the French league this season. Marotta confirmed the reigning six-time league champions’ interest in Liverpool’s German international Emre Can, whose contract expires in June. “We’ll try to bring him to us, I think a big club has to have the ambition to achieve difficult objectives.”

Source: The Guardian January 23, 2018 09:11 UTC