EXCLUSIVE
By Ed Aarons

Michel Bastos’ agent had confirmed that the Brazilian was in discussions with two Premier League clubs, but the Lyon left winger is set to remain in France after talks fell through with Fulham over a potential loan deal.

The Rhone side had agreed terms over a temporary transfer of the Brazil international, yet the player turned down the move, preferring to bide his time at Stade Gerland.

Initially, Le Parisien reported that the 29-year-old would complete a £7 million transfer to Craven Cottage from after agreeing personal terms, but Goal.com learned that another unnamed Premier League club was also in contention to sign the versatile left-sided player who has won 10 international caps, with Liverpool rumoured to be interested.

“At this moment we have different options for him but I think it is close,” Bastos’ agent Emmanuel De Kerchove told Goal.com.

“He is discussing with two clubs in England and Fulham is one of them. But at the moment I would prefer not to say the other one. We will see what happens as the day goes on.”

Bastos has scored twice in two substitute appearances for Lyon in Ligue 1 this season. He joined from Lille in 2009 and had been tipped to follow former Sunderland striker Asamaoh Gyan to United Arab Emirates side Al Ain.

Although, De Kerchove had expected a move to be sealed on Friday, he revealed there remains the possibility of a move to the Middle East.

He said: “The market in the UAE closes in one month so there is not the same urgency.”