Liverpool are now being scared out of a deal for Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade in January after months of interest.
Journalist Graeme Bailey has been discussing the latest updates in the ongoing Andre saga on the ‘Talking Transfers’ podcast.
Bailey mentioned that Liverpool are now being put off a deal given the growing interest in the 22-year-old.
The journalist claimed that Liverpool were much more keen in the summer when Andre’s ability was still going under the radar.
However, Bailey now thinks Arsenal’s interest in Andre could prove to be the last straw for Liverpool.
He said: “Liverpool are still interested, but I think they may be getting scared away by the amount of teams that are in for him now.
“Because Liverpool were in for him when there wasn’t much interest, he was a bit under the radar.
“But now Arsenal have joined the hunt, we know Edu [Gaspar] has watched him personally.”
Liverpool already competed for two high-profile defensive midfielders in the summer – Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
So it’s very understandable that the club would prefer to not enter another bidding war.
Bailey says Liverpool are reluctant to compete for Andre in January
Of course, it does still feel as if Jurgen Klopp’s team would benefit from a defensive midfielder arriving at the club.
Wataru Endo hasn’t quite lived up to expectations since he arrived.
And whilst his quality isn’t in doubt, some still have their reservations about Alexis Mac Allister playing in a deeper role.
Perhaps a move for Andre could be perfect for Klopp’s team, but Liverpool fans will probably respect their position – as reported by Bailey.
Although additions would be welcome for Liverpool in January, there doesn’t seem need for any rush.
The club have meticulously improved several areas of their squad over the last year or so, and it does now seem that defence could be next.
Perhaps left-back could be where the club targets their next big upgrade.
Kostas Tsimikas did recently sign a new deal with the club.
And despite impressing against Brentford, he isn’t seriously competing with Robertson who still has his own doubters.