Fluminense won’t make a decision on the future of Liverpool target Andre before August 8th, according to ESPN Brasil.
The Reds are interested in signing the Brazilian international, with it being reported that the Merseyside club are prepared to pay up to €30m (£26m) for the midfielder.
However, Fluminense are more concerned about their prospects in the Copa Libertadores. The Brazilian club have reached the last 16 stage where they face Argentinos Juniors.
With the aggregate score at 1-1, the tie is finely poised heading into the second leg, which is played next Tuesday. ESPN claim that, if Fluminense stay in the competition, they will look to keep hold of Andre as they look to win South America’s most prestigious trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
Otherwise, if they are knocked out, there is “a good chance” that they will enter negotiations with Liverpool to sell the player.
Other teams have been linked with Andre
Fulham have already had a €20m bid rejected for the 22-year-old, while reports last month also suggested that Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have been keeping tabs on the player’s progress.
For now, though, it appears Liverpool are the only team readying a formal bid for Andre, having made initial contact with Fluminense already.
Liverpool are eyeing a cheap replacement for Fabinho
It seems pretty clear that Andre is being lined up by the Reds if the club’s attempts to sign Romeo Lavia from Southampton fail.
The Belgian international has been identified as the number one target to replace Fabinho but, after having two bids rejected, Jurgen Klopp’s side may have to move on to alternatives.
Considering Andre may cost around half the price of Lavia, it does raise the question whether the Merseysiders are simply going for the cheaper option.