Even though Liverpool’s chase for Fluminense midfielder André has gone quiet lately, the Brazilian media today shares some news saying contacts could resume soon.
Outlet Netflu writes that with the Reds having a new bid for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia turned down, that could bring their attention back to André, who’s set to be their ‘plan A’ once again.
It’s claimed that Liverpool are expected to get back on their chasing of the Brazilian, with their interest increasing in the ‘coming days’.
The report just highlights a few factors which indicate that the Reds’ pursuit for André won’t be easy either.
The first is that the player is protected by a €40m release clause. And the second is that Fluminense’s board is ‘irreducible’ about losing the player in the middle of the season, and will only accept negotiating in case he can just complete the move in January.
That undoubtedly puts Liverpool in a less comfortable position, where they’d certainly need more money to convince the Brazilian club about selling the player now.
That may be one of the reasons why they chose to prioritise Lavia’s transfer so far.
Gary Neville predicts Liverpool’s exact Premier League finish next season
Gary Neville has predicted Liverpool to finish in the top-four in the Premier League next season, though admits that the Reds are far from challenging for the title.
Speaking on the Overlap, the Sky Sports pundit claimed that Liverpool could finish in the top-four ahead of the likes of Newcastle United, Chelsea and Tottenham, but the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City will be too much to take on.
Neville said when asked about Liverpool’s chances next season in the Premier League: “I don’t look at Liverpool at the moment and think ‘wow’ they are going to be challenging Arsenal or City for the league.”
When pushed to give his top-eight Premier League prediction, Neville said: “I think Arsenal, City, Man United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham.”
Whilst Liverpool have spent well this summer, many fans would agree that more business needs to be done before the Reds are ready to challenge for the Premier League title again next season.
And having missed out on a UEFA Champions League spot last season, a return to Europe’s elite club competition should be the main priority for Liverpool in the new campaign.
Gary Neville summed up Liverpool’s current squad in a nutshell
It’ll always be hard for Liverpool fans to agree on Neville, yet the former Manchester United captain has hit the nail on the head in his assessment with the Anfield side.
Arsenal and City are far and away the best two sides in the Premier League heading into the new season, and whilst Liverpool could challenge depending on who they bring in, the Reds simply have to focus on the top-four battle.
Indeed, Liverpool are good enough to beat anyone on their day in the league, and regaining that spark and that fear will be key in Jurgen Klopp pushing his side back to the top-four come the end of next season.