Liverpool have been handed a transfer boost in their pursuit of Andre Trindade from Brazilian side Fluminense - just months after missing out on former Birmingham City midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The Blues academy graduate has been one of the world's best players this season, with a series of outstanding performances for both Real Madrid and England. Bellingham is enjoying a remarkable start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu following his £88million move in the summer which saw him leave Borussia Dortmund for the Spanish capital - and he's won the Kopa Trophy since, awarded to the world's best player under the age of 21.
13 goals in just 14 appearances for Los Blancos means that Bellingham is La Liga's top scorer. Liverpool were first linked with Bellingham when the 20-year-old was showcasing his talents at St Andrew's.
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The Reds were then among the frontrunners for his signature going into the last summer transfer window. But Jurgen Klopp's side opted against making a formal bid for Bellingham after it became clear the youngster preferred a move to Madrid.
But a midfield prospect capable of becoming a key players for years to come could now be on their way to Anfield with Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt admitting he’s resigned to losing Trindade in the January transfer window. It comes after Fluminense won the Copa Libertadores for the first time in their history with an extra-time win over Argentine giants Boca Juniors.
Speaking to Brazilian outlet Globo, Bittencourt said: “We are waiting. Today, there is no concrete proposal for Andre. But we are sure that after the Club World Cup [in December] - he will play in the World Cup - a stratospheric proposal will arrive.
“It could be the biggest sale in the club's history. We could possibly lose both (Andre and defender Nino), but we are working to replace them.”
Andre has featured 160 times for the club from Rio de Janeiro, scoring four goals from midfield and making his Brazil debut back in June. If he does sign for Liverpool, he'll have to compete alongside new signings Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Waturo Endo.
Meanwhile, it means that Bellingham's anticipated arrival in the Premier League at some point in his career have to wait, especially given that he would likely commend one of the biggest fees ever in world football given his ability and age.
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