FC Porto knocked back an offer of €40m from Everton for Yacine Brahimi in anticipation of a potentially larger bid from Liverpool which may have met the player's release clause, according to Portuguese sports daily O Jogo.
Ronald Koeman's men were strongly linked with making a bid for the Algeria international and they did try to do a deal with Porto to take him to Goodison Park before the transfer window slammed shut.
Everton's offer for the 26-year-old came in at €40m, with a 20 per cent sell-on clause. However, Porto opted to knock back the Toffees' proposal.
The Portuguese giants felt that Liverpool might have come in for Brahimi, while they were also waiting for his termination clause of €60m to be triggered.
However, while Jurgen Klopp's side were interested in signing the winger, they deemed him too expensive and refused to make a move.
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As such, when the transfer window slammed shut, the Paris-born wide-man was still at Porto.
Brahimi will now be looking to further enhance his reputation with the Portuguese side, while Everton and Liverpool could choose to rekindle their interest in the Algeria international when the winter transfer window swings open.
Liverpool were one of a few Premier League sides to make a profit in the summer transfer window.
