Liverpool are reportedly ‘out of the race’ to sign Fluminense’s Brazil international Andre Trindade as Premier League rivals Fulham continue talks over a potential £30 million January deal.
It appears that something has changed at Anfield. At least, with regards to Liverpool’s long-running pursuit of Andre Trindade.
Because, after scouting Brazil’s rising star for the past 18 months, having their interest conformed by Fluminense’s president, and submitting a £26 million bid over the summer, the Evening Standard is now reporting that Jurgen Klopp’s side are ‘out of the race’ as things stand.
Fulham overtake Liverpool in Andre Trindade race
Now, that may have something to do with the fact that, since Andre turned down the Anfield advances in favour of staying at Fluminense and competing for Copa Libertadores glory, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo have stepped in to fill a void created by the loss of Fabinho to Saudi Arabia.
The Standard, meanwhile, have another explanation.
Liverpool, the report adds, are now prioritising defenders rather than midfielders, meaning Fulham could have a clearer run than even the most optimistic Cottagers supporter might have expected at one of South America’s most exciting young talents.
Fulham’s chief executive, Alistar Mackintosh, held ‘face-to-face’ talks over Andre last week. The £30 million-rated deep-lying enforcer is likely to be a long-term replacement for Joao Palhinha, Bayern Munich refusing to take ‘no’ for an answer despite the Portuguese powerhouse recently signing a new deal at Craven Cottage.
‘Replacement for Joao Palhinha’
“I want to give you exclusive information which was brought to me by an important source,” Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola said via his official YouTube channel on Sunday.
“This person called me on Saturday to tell me that an offer of 30 million euros has been passed on to Fluminense. The player (Andre) was pleased (with the offer). He also likes the project presented by the London club and feeling is that the hammer will be beaten in the coming days, unless a new offer appears and overtakes the one from Fulham.”
“Fulham are looking for a replacement for Joao Palhinha,” Nicola adds. “Their idea is to have Andre from January onwards. Manchester United is another one of several interested parties but, at the moment, (Fulham) seem to be the favourite.”
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