Fabrizio Romano reports on Liverpool “negotiation” for “very talented” January target

Liverpool are expected to make a formal move to sign Andre before the end of the year as they look to add a no.6 to their squad.

Fabinho was sold to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in the summer and the lack of a defensive midfielder in Jurgen Klopp's midfield means that balance evades the Reds even despite signing four new midfielders in the summer.

Dominik Szoboszlai has been nothing short of brilliant this season but with Alexis Mac Allister forced to play out of position at the base of midfield, the Argentine is not being utilised most efficiently.

Signing a new defensive midfielder is a priority and with Liverpool chasing Andre, Fabrizio Romano has reported on what their plans are for the midfield in the winter transfer window approaching.

Fabrizio Romano reports on Liverpool negotiation for Andre

The Italian journalist has commented on links to Benfica's Florentino Luis as well as on Andre.

In his Daily Briefing, Romano reports: "As well as Musiala, we’re also seeing Liverpool transfer rumours involving some other big names, and I wanted to address those stories here.

"Firstly, we’re seeing Florentino Luis’ name coming up a lot. Some fans have been asking me about links with Liverpool, and also with Manchester United, but I’m afraid I’m not aware of anything concrete at this stage.

"We had those links also in the summer but nothing concrete happened. The only club trying to sign Luis in July was Nottingham Forest but Benfica rejected every approach. Still, I personally believe he’s absolutely ready to make the next step in his career, he’s a very good player.

"Another name coming up with Liverpool is talented young Fluminense midfielder Andre. I think he could have a chance to move in 2024, but we will see what happens in terms of negotiation with Fluminense - it won’t be easy as they are always strong in negotiations.

"But Andre is absolutely ready for the next step - he’s very talented, and has a great mentality."

Liverpool must be wary of interest from Arsenal

After journalist Thiago Ferreira claimed that "Arsenal are interested" in signing Andre, it was reported by Football London that the Gunners' sporting director, Edu Gaspar, had visited his club.

On a trip back to Brazil, Edu met with a number of Brazilian clubs, including Fluminense, spiking speculation that the North Londoners are working hard to edge Liverpool in the battle to sign Andre.

Andre arrival adds to Liverpool Premier League title bid

The Reds are performing extremely well in the Premier League this season despite the extent of their midfield rebuild.

Klopp would likely have been quite happy with his side's performance so far this season if he'd been able to look into the future a couple months ago.

They're in fourth, a position they failed to finish in last season, one point behind champions Manchester City, and only three points behind league leaders Arsenal and Spurs.

Pretty decent if you ask me.

If you add Andre into the side, deeper than Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, then Klopp's side could really begin to fly through the gears.

He's got elite passing. As backed up by data from Fbref, with an average pass completion rate of 93.8%. Placing him in the 99th percentile for all midfielders for the 2022/23 season.

Without the proper support for the back four, there will always be issues regardless of the centre-backs on the pitch. With a specialist no.6 and the current midfielders at the club, Liverpool's title credentials will be enhanced.

They should still not be considered favourites given the current transition but things are certainly exciting for Liverpool fans right now.