Mamadou Sakho's representatives believe that it is "inevitable" that their client will leave Liverpool in the winter transfer window, with the blame being pinned squarely on a positive drugs test.
After a Europa League game against Manchester United in March this year he was given a drugs test and in April it was announced he was being investigated for a positive result.
He was given a 30-day ban for taking the substance, which was identified as a fat burner, but at the end of May the ban expired after the substance was found not to be on the banned list, with the case subsequently being dismissed by UEFA in July.
Sakho has fallen out of favour at Liverpool, though he rejected a move away from the club in the summer transfer window; he has not played for the senior side this season.
His representatives believe a departure from Anfield will happen and have pinned the blame on the drugs test debacle.
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In a press release carried by L'Equipe, his representatives said: "There is no doubt that this case changed the course of Sakho's career.
"A transfer seems inevitable, but the outcome is uncertain", the release added.
Sakho's contract with Liverpool runs until the summer of 2020, but he is expected to move on when the transfer window opens again next month.
He has been linked with West Ham United and Leicester City.
