Liverpool have little to no chance of signing Fluminense midfielder Andre this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on the Born and Red Youtube channel, the Italian journalist explained that Fluminense can’t replace the Brazilian if they sold him and that means a deal is very unlikely to happen:
“For Andre, I’m told it’s very complicated because the market is closed in Brazil so it would be impossible for Fluminense to replace the player. They believe at Fluminense that this player could be in the middle of a very big transfer race in January or maybe next summer because they feel that there could be many clubs in the race for Andre so, at the moment, I think it’s going to be difficult. From Liverpool, there is appreciation, it’s true, they had some conversations on the player side but Fluminense are very clear: they have no intention at all to sell the player.”
Reports in Brazil had suggested that the Reds were lining up a bid between €25m (£21.5m) and €30m (£26m) for Andre. A number of other Premier League clubs (including Fulham, Tottenham and Arsenal) have also been credited with an interest in the player but it seems that he will be remaining at Fluminense for the time being.
Are Liverpool pursuing alternatives to Andre?
The Merseyside club have been locked in talks with Southampton about signing Romeo Lavia for a number of weeks. While the club have had two bids rejected for the Belgian, there is still a feeling that a transfer could eventually be negotiated.
Lavia was an unused substitute as the Saints beat Sheffield Wednesday in their opening Championship fixture on Friday. The fact that the teenager wasn’t involved could suggest that his club are still anticipating selling him before the transfer window closes.