According to a journalist, Liverpool would be “first in line” to acquire Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade in January. Trindade is rated as the “best defensive midfielder” in his country and is available for £34 million.

After his club rejected any attempts to sell him in the summer, the Reds have been extensively connected with a mid-season transfer for the 22-year-old

And Fluminense won’t get in Andre’s way this time, claims journalist Graeme Bailey. Bailey asserted during an appearance on 90min’s Talking Transfers podcast that the Brazilian international is undoubtedly going to go, with Liverpool holding a commanding lead.

The journalist claims that “many people think he’s the best defensive midfielder in the Brazilian top flight at the moment.”

“From what we gather, Liverpool was present for the Copa Libertadores semifinal [last week]. They would have been thrilled to see Andre lead a 2-1 victory over Internacional in the return match. They won the match against Boca Juniors and advanced to the final because of it.

He is actually one of the items scheduled for January. And if he stays in Fluminense, I’ll be shocked. Do you mean Liverpool? They seem to be at the front of the line.

He will undoubtedly depart Fluminense in January. Additionally, he very well could show up at Anfield.

Leading the Andre race is Liverpool

Some would contend that adding another midfielder isn’t necessarily necessary when you consider Jurgen Klopp’s present options.

And, to be honest, there is undoubtedly room for discussion there. Liverpool has eight senior first-team midfielders on the roster right now.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis MacAllister seem to be the clear starts out of those eight, with Curtis Jones or Ryan Gravenberch receiving Klopp’s preference for the eighth position.

The management is also thinking a lot about Stefan Bajcetic, whose development may be hampered by more signings, and Harvey Elliott.

The last two, though, might require improvements. Thiago Alcantara might be Liverpool’s best midfielder in terms of quality. He’s never been physically fit, though, and his contract expires in the summer.

Wataru Endo is not exactly the benchmark Liverpool needs to push, but that is not meant to put him down. If there is one area where they can get better, it would be in defensive midfield.

As a result, moving Andre in January would be a wise decision. It would be smart business for the Reds to sign him for less than or equal to his £34 million release clause. Keep your eyes on this one at all times.