Andre Trindade: release clause claim & why Liverpool move may depend on Copa Libertadores

Liverpool may need to pay €40m (£34m) to land Andre Trindade this summer, with one report suggesting that the midfielder's contract has a release clause.

Sky Sports' Melissa Reddy reported on Tuesday that the Reds had made contact with Fluminense about Andre, as negotiations with Southampton for Romeo Lavia continue to prove tricky.

Rather than an alternative to Lavia, however, Reddy suggested that Liverpool's recruitment team are looking for 'two profiles' in their midfield search — a 'controller' and a 'progressive destroyer'.

Last week Football Transfers reported that Fluminense were reluctant to sell a key player such as Andre before the end of the Brazil domestic season in December, though would accept €25m (£21.5m) for a deal in the mid-season window.

ESPN Brazil claim the Reds are ready to make an offer of €25m now for Fluminense's number seven, and are prepared to go up to €30m (£26m) – knowing that Fulham recently saw a €20m (£17m) offer rejected.

Interestingly, ESPN's report suggests that Fluminense could be open to a summer sale if they fail to qualify for the last eight of the Copa Libertadores.

The Rio club play Argentinos Juniors at home in the round of 16 second leg on 8 August, having drawn the home fixture 1-1.

READ MORE: Andre Trindade – Who is the Brazilian star linked with Liverpool?

Meanwhile, Rio-based outlet Lance writes that Liverpool have shown Fluminense that they can offer a good amount, but are not willing to pay the 22-year-old midfielder's €40m (£34m) release clause to bypass negotiations.

Though no release clause is mentioned, AS also claim it would take €30-40m, including add-ons, for Fluminense to consider a sale this summer, while adding that Liverpool want to close the transfer in 'record time' in order to have the player ready for the start of the Premier League season, which begins on 13 August.

Finally, UOL add that Liverpool "can count on the help" of  Jorge Mendes in their pursuit of Andre.

The super-agent has a strong working relationship with the Reds, having represented Darwin Nuñez, Diogo Jota and Fabinho.