Fulham are reportedly leading the race for the £30 million-rated Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade despite interest from Premier League giants Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Yes, you read that right Fulham fans.
Of course, a lot could change between now and the close of the January window. But reports from Brazil suggesting that Marco Silva’s Cottagers are currently in pole position for arguably the continent’s best young midfielder – Andre Trindade enhancing his reputation in that Copa Libertadores final triumph over Boca Juniors – is bound to raise expectations in the white corner of West London.
Particularly at a time in which strike sensations Santiago Gimenez, Gift Orban and Serhou Guirassy are also being linked.
Fulham lead Andre Trindade race
Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham United and Liverpool all scouted Andre as Fluminense were crowned the champions of South America for the very first time over the weekend. La Flu president Mario Bittencourt, meanwhile, confirmed discussions with Liverpool over the summer.
Andre, at the time, opted to stay put until that Boca clash was out the way.
Now, Fulham might pale in comparison to the size and stature of Arsenal and Liverpool. But what they lack in star power, the Cottagers could make up for by offering 21-year-old Andre regular, first-team football.
A Palhinha replacement?
Andre, a rambunctious ball-winner who loves to snatch back possession and start attacks with his smart passing range, could form an imperious partnership with Joao Palhinha at the heart of Fulham’s midfield. UOL believe that the former could even replace the latter, should Bayern Munich succeed where they failed over the summer in pursuit of the Portuguese powerhouse.
Liverpool have been reportedly scouting Andre for around 18 months. Fulham, however, are not exactly new to the party themselves, however. The Londoners reportedly had an £18 million bid rejected in January, Andre’s price-tag rising considerably since then (Jorge Nicola).
Fluminense captain Nino, meanwhile, is expected to join Nottingham Forest. Jhon Arias could end up at Wolves or West Ham.
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