Liverpool didn’t follow up with a formal offer for Andre Trindade, after being told he’s absolutely not for sale.
The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for Andre over the past three or four weeks. But with Fluminense said to be desperate to hold onto him until the New Year, nothing has progressed.
Now, Brazilian outlet Globo report that Liverpool were indeed minded to place an official bid for the 22-year-old.
Having ‘signalled’ to Fluminense that an offer of around £26m was on the way for Andre, the Reds were reportedly told in no uncertain terms where to go.
The Rio de Janeiro side are claimed to have ‘warned’ Liverpool that their position on the Brazil international had not changed. He’s simply not for sale this summer.
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With the Reds seemingly getting the message, they are said to have not followed up with an official proposal.
Fluminense are in Copa Libertadores action this week, playing Paraguayan side Olimpia on Thursday. Should they fail to progress from next week’s second-leg, it will be interesting to see whether Liverpool return in the final days of the window.
Flu stand firm on Andre
With Wataru Endo now signed, sealed and delivered, Liverpool’s need for new midfielders has been slightly lessened.
But Alexis Mac Allister’s potential three-match ban has highlighted how fragile the current situation is.
As things stand, Jurgen Klopp will have just three fit senior midfielders available as he takes his team to St James’ Park on Sunday.
Endo will surely start on Tyneside, with Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai the other options. Cody Gakpo will likely continue in a deeper role, while Stefan Bajcetic will be a step closer to a return.
But things are still very precarious indeed. Another addition would put minds at ease ahead of a busy campaign.
For now, it looks unlikely that that addition could be Andre. Fluminense have held a determined line on him all summer. Should they drop out of the Libertadores next week, that could change.
They’re heavy favourites to progress though, so Liverpool shouldn’t count on any favours here. Get one wrapped up this week, and get an agreement for the Brazilian Tim Vickery described as ‘quick’ [Football Daily] sealed for January. Everybody wins.