Fulham move ahead of Man Utd in Andre race
Fulham have moved ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre in the January transfer window, FootballTransfers can confirm.
CEO Alistair Mackintosh was one of many Premier League club executives who watched over the midfielder during Fluminense's victory over Boca Juniors in the final of the Copa Libertadores on November 4, where the likes of Valentin Barco and Ezequiel Fernandez were also playing.
We are told that Liverpool are not in the race for the Brazil international despite reports, while Manchester United will only move should Casemiro depart in January, though we are told that's unlikely at this stage. The Red Devils are watching over Joao Neves of Benfica, too.
Fulham have done the most legwork so far but there is anticipation from some quarters that other Premier League clubs may move for the 22-year-old in the coming weeks.
The club, who are growing in confidence that Joao Palhinha will remain at Craven Cottage past the current season despite reports that Bayern Munich maintain interest, have had talks with Andre’s side, who are happy with the game-time on offer.
How much will Andre cost?
At this stage, no proposals have been sent to Fluminense. The Rio de Janeiro side now want closer to €40million, sources have informed us, but this will be dependent on the number of clubs who come in.
Andre was the subject of serious interest from Liverpool and West Ham over the summer window, but he opted to stay and help his side complete their campaign, which finishes next month.
Liverpool informed Andre’s representatives that they have moved on to other targets, paving the way for rival clubs to come in. The Hammers sent in a late proposal over the summer, too, but terms could not be agreed. It’s not clear whether David Moyes’ side will opt to come back in.