Liverpool will only be in with a shot of signing Andre Trindade if Fluminense exit the Copa Libertadores next week.
As of yesterday, Andre has taken his place alongside Romeo Lavia as one of the players most likely to sign for the Reds over the coming weeks.
After similar claims from the English press, ESPN Brasil confirmed Liverpool’s interest in a report yesterday evening.
They go as far as saying that the Reds have even already made a firm offer for Andre – a bid of around £21.5m is said to have been tabled. Furthermore, Liverpool have reportedly indicated that they could go as high as £26m to sign the 22-year-old.
However, it’s claimed that the side from Rio intend to ‘play hardball’ with the Reds. Andre is one of their key players and they reportedly have little intention of losing him mid-season. Nevertheless, there is still said to be a chance that an agreement could be reached.
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The crux of the matter is Fluminense’s Copa campaign. Having drawn 1-1 away to Argentinos Juniors last night, they play the return leg in Rio next Tuesday.
ESPN report that if Andre’s side progress to the quarter-final, there’s virtually no chance of the player being sold. But if Flu are eliminated, there’s reportedly a ‘good chance’ that they’ll do business with Liverpool. I guess we’re all Argentions Juniors then aren’t we!
Liverpool forced to wait for Andre
After news broke of Liverpool ramping up their interest in Andre yesterday, there may have been a few eyes on last night’s Libertadores last-16 clash.
Fluminense went into the tie against Argentinos as favourites. But they could only muster a 1-1 draw against Alexis Mac Allister’s old side, relying on an 87th minute equaliser to get it.
Andre played the full 90 minutes of the game and according to Fotmob won 100% of his tackles, made one block and six recoveries. Not bad.
Owing to their late leveller, Fluminense will still be favourites to progress into the next round.
If they do, then Liverpool should probably look away from Andre for the time being. There is some sense in agreeing a deal for the January window, but only if they’re able to bring in another player immediately.
With the Copa second-leg not due to take place until next Tuesday, precious time is perhaps being wasted here.
Fluminense go out, and this could move quickly. But go through, and Liverpool could have just idled away a full week that they don’t really have to lose. Andre might be worth the wait, but the Reds might not be in a position to hold on.