Liverpool are lining up an “official proposal” for Fluminense midfielder Andre, according to Brazilian reporter Emmanuel Luiz.

The journalist claims the Reds are expected to lodge a bid “in the coming days” for the Brazilian international:

🇬🇧⚠️🚨 URGENT: Liverpool enters the fray and will present an official proposal for midfielder André (Fluminense) in the coming days.

It seems that with this international window I will have to do more posts in English and Spanish😁

— Emmanuel Luiz 🗣️⚽🍋 (@EmmanuelLuiz12) July 15, 2023

Andre is a holding midfield player by trade and he would be a like-for-like replacement for Fabinho, who is poised to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad for £40m.

Reports in the English media last week suggested that Fluminense are expected to demand around £25m for the 21-year-old, who made his senior for Brazil in the 4-2 friendly defeat to Senegal last month.

Liverpool will have competition for Andre’s signature

Fulham have been heavily linked with the Brazilian in recent months, while it is thought that the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have also spoken to the player’s representatives.

It remains to be seen whether any of those six clubs will make an approach of their own for Andre if Jurgen Klopp’s side enter formal talks to sign him.

A cheaper alternative to Romeo Lavia

There has been a lot of speculation about the Reds’ interest in the Southampton midfielder but it has always been felt that the Belgian’s £50m asking price is too much; especially for a 19-year-old.

Considering Andre could be available for half that amount, and is just two years older, you can see why Liverpool would see him as better value for money. Recruiting him would still be a risk, though, as he has never played in European football before, and there is no telling whether he would adapt.