Liverpool given priority in January deal for Andre Trindade

Liverpool have priority for Andre Trindade from Fluminense this January, Anfield Watch understands.

The 22-year-old midfielder was a target for the Reds during the summer transfer window, as Jurgen Klopp oversaw a midfield rebuild.

However, Fluminense refused to sell their number seven amid the ongoing campaign, with their sights set on Copa Libertadores glory.

The Rio-based side have now made it to the final of South America's equivalent of the Champions League and will face Argentine giants Boca Juniors in a showdown at the Maracanã next month.

READ MORE: How to watch Andre in the Copa Libertadores final

However, Fluminense were always willing to sell Andre in January, following the conclusion of their continental campaign, with club president Mario Bittencourt admitting as much in an interview last month.

"Liverpool's Chief Executive [Billy Hogan] contacted me directly," Bittencourt told ESPN Brasil. "I replied to him: 'My friend, I don't sell players now and I don't deliver them now. If you want to buy now, and only get the player in January, we can start talking... Or if you want to wait until December, we can talk in December."

Anfield Watch understands that Liverpool agreed personal terms with the player during the summer and considered activating his release clause to push through a deal, but held back out of respect for Fluminense's desire to keep Andre in order to have the best possible shot at winning the Copa Libertadores for the first time in the club's history.

As a result, the Brazilian club maintain a good relationship with the Reds' bosses and are willing to give Liverpool favourable terms come January and priority over other suitors–  the likes of West Ham and Fulham have previously been linked.

READ MORE: Andre Trindade – Is the Brazilian ready to succeed Fabinho at Liverpool?

It has been reported that Liverpool's scouts were present at Fluminense's second-leg semi-final 2-1 win over Internacional and the Reds remain interested, despite signing four midfielders in the summer window.

Anfield Watch has previously reported that Andre has remained hopeful of a move to Liverpool this January when the window re-opens.