- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Fulham are back in talk with a midfielder this summer as they bid to replace Joao Palhinha.
Bayern Munich agreed a deal to sign Joao Palhinha from Fulham last week and the Cottagers are now looking for replacements for the former Sporting Lisbon defender.
We had previously reported that Fulham had made an enquiry to Manchester United over a potential deal to sign Scott McTominay.
However, it appears the West London club are back in the race for a former transfer target with sources telling HITC that the club are holding talks over the potential signing of Fluminense midfielder Andre, who the club were keen on last summer.
Fulham enter talks over Andre deal
The two clubs have been in talks, on and off, for 18-months about Andre who is finally closing on a move to Europe.
Liverpool came close to signing him last year, whilst Fulham almost brought him over to replace Joao Palhinha last summer but the Portuguese midfielder stayed at Craven Cottage which meant a deal for Andre was off.
Fulham had spoken to United about McTominay, but were put off by his £40million asking price.
Another player that they also had an interest in and a made an enquiry over was Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who had a rather poor loan spell at West Ham United last summer under David Moyes.
Fulham hoping to fly Andre out this weekend
Sources have told HITC that Fulham are hoping to fly the Brazilian out to England for a medical this weekend.
This would be a major coup for the club as the Brazilian, as mentioned, had interest from a whole host of top European clubs.
Lyon and Atalanta had also been linked with a move for the midfielder but HITC has been told Fulham are confident of finalising a deal.
Brazilian football expert Tim Vickery had previously claimed that Andre reminded him of a ‘young Javier Mascherano’ and it now appears a deal to take him to West London is close.
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