West Ham United boosted in pursuit of Brazilian star as David Ornstein shares Liverpool news
David Ornstein has claimed, as far as he is aware, Liverpool are not planning to do a deal for Fluminese midfielder Andre despite recent rumours, in a boost to West Ham and their transfer plans.
The Athletic journalist suggested that it wouldn’t be a busy January for Liverpool, and while there is interest from the Reds in Andre, there doesn’t seem to be a chance of an offer.
This comes after West Ham reportedly sent scouts to follow Andre in the Copa Libertadores final [Vamo Fluminese, 7 November], having had a £26million offer rejected in the summer transfer window.
Ornstein shared the news via The Athletic’s Q&A [9 November], writing in response to a fan: “It seems there has been some level of interest in him but as things stand I don’t have any information to suggest it is a deal Liverpool are planning to do.
“I’m not sure it will be a busy January at Anfield – they look competitive and don’t seem to need much – but we have learned from past experience that they are always alert and often spring a surprise.
“So let’s so, but right now there don’t seem to be any rumblings.”
Hammers chances improve
In the report claiming West Ham had sent scouts to the Maracana, it was also shared that Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham had followed suit in tracking Andre. The news that Liverpool may be out of contention will provide a huge boost to their chances.
Liverpool’s interest is long-standing, as evidenced by a summer bid, while Arsenal and Tottenham appear to be new arrivals to the party, and the Brazilian’s performance in the Copa Libertadores final will have done nothing to put them off of a potential move.
West Ham should now be lining themselves up to make the most of the deal and should get in ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham to convince him his best destination would be East London rather than North.
Andre is a combative midfielder, evidenced by the ten yellow cards he has picked up in just 24 league games so far this season, and would add a bit of bite and physicality to whichever side’s midfield he joins, providing a solid base for the attackers to flourish.
In other West Ham news, a power shift is on the cards at the London Stadium.