The Reds have been heavily linked with a mid-season move for the 22-year-old, having seen his club push back any attempts to buy him in the summer.
And according to journalist Graeme Bailey, Fluminense certainly won’t stand in Andre’s way this time. Speaking on 90min’s Talking Transfers podcast, Bailey claimed that the Brazil international is certain to leave, with Liverpool very much in the driving seat.
“Many people think he’s the best defensive midfielder in the Brazilian top flight at the moment,” says the journalist.
“It’s our understanding that they [Liverpool] were in attendance for the Copa Libertadores semi-final [last week]. They would have been delighted for Andre to see that he helped inspire a 2-1 win over Internacional in the second-leg. It got them through to the final where they will play Boca Juniors.
“He really is one on the agenda for January. And I’ll be amazed if he doesn’t leave Fluminense. Will it be to Liverpool? I think they’re first in the queue.
“He’s definitely leaving Fluminense in January. And he may very well be turning up at Anfield.”
When you look at Jurgen Klopp’s current midfield options, some would argue that another isn’t necessarily needed.
And, to be honest, there is certainly a debate to be had there. Liverpool currently count eight senior first-team midfielders.
Of those eight, it appears that Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister are clear starters, with Klopp favouring Curtis Jones or Ryan Gravenberch for the final spot.
You’ve then got Harvey Elliott who is very much in the manager’s thoughts, and Stefan Bajcetic who’s development may be stunted by yet more additions.
But the final two are where upgrades are potentially needed. In terms of quality Thiago Alcantara may be Liverpool’s best midfielder. He’s never fit though and is due to be out of contract in the summer.
On the other end of the scale – and not to do him down – but Wataru Endo perhaps isn’t quite the standard Liverpool need to challenge. If there’s one area they can improve upon then it’s this – in defensive midfield.
As a result, a January move for Andre does make a lot of sense. If the Reds can get him for in or around his £34m release clause, that would look like good business. Don’t take your eyes off this one.
