Fabinho's set to return to Liverpool training with Saudi Arabia move in doubt

Fabinho will resume Liverpool pre-season training on Wednesday, unless there is a breakthrough in negotiations for his proposed move to Al-Ittihad.

The 29-year-old midfielder had been targeted by Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for a £40m switch and was widely expected to seal a deal this summer.

However, two weeks have passed since reports of Al-Ittihad's interest, and the slow progress in the deal has led to some wilder theories as to the reason for the delays.

The Athletic's David Ornstein reported on Tuesday that the transfer is now in 'jeopardy', without specifying as to why exactly things have not progressed as expected.

READ MORE: Fabinho — the rise and decline of Liverpool's quiet superstar

Ornstein writes "there has been a delay to the process" and Fabinho, who is back in England, will resume pre-season preparations with Liverpool on Wednesday, having been left out of the club's trip to Germany for matches against Karlsruher SC and Greuther Furth, unless something changes fast.

Ornstein's report adds that "all parties remain committed to getting it done if possible" and "negotiations and conversations are continuing".

Earlier in the week, a report from Brazil acknowledged that 'bureaucratic details' were holding up Fabinho's transfer.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have been touted as a possible alternative destination for Fabinho should a move to the Middle East fall through.

Liverpool had been expected to use the funds from Fabinho's transfer to pursue Romeo Lavia, with the Reds reportedly readying a £35m bid for the 19-year-old Southampton star.