The rumoured transfer of Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal from Rennes to Lorient has reportedly collapsed. The defender was thought to be close to a move, but both clubs have now stepped away. It potentially marks the end of a saga that had seemed likely to result in a done deal just a few days ago. Talks broke down before a deal could be reached with Lorient, leaving the door open for clubs like Metz to step in. So far in this season, Lorient are conceding 2.33 goals a game (14 in 6), more than they'd like compared to the Ligue 1 standard. The hope is Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal adds a bit of steel and helps make them tougher to break down. Rennes continue to be linked with Esteban Lepaul, Conrad Harder and Brian Brobbey while Lorient are also rumoured to be tracking Bamo Meite and Illan Meslier. Need more Lorient transfer rumours? Stay tuned to PlayerSwitch for live transfer news and rumours from across the world of football.