"Sources have informed us..." - Liverpool target Andre's 'true' release clause revealed, it could stop Anfield move

Liverpool have been informed that Fluminense star Andre Trindade’s release clause is far more expensive than previously reported, it has been claimed.

While Liverpool have signed Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo this summer, midfield remains the side’s most glaring weakness.

The Merseyside club lack depth in that area, having seen Fabinho and Jordan Henderson both depart to Saudi Arabia last month and the likes of Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leave in June upon the expiry of their contracts.

The Reds had tried to reinforce their midfield on several occasions this summer, only to be rebuffed.

Liverpool agreed a British transfer record fee of £111million with Brighton for Moises Caicedo only for the Ecuador international to sign for Chelsea over the Merseyside club.

Southampton’s teenage sensation Romeo Lavia also decided to join the Blues over the Anfield club.

It appears Liverpool have had a further setback, having seen a bid worth £25.5million for Andre rebuffed, according to Anfield Watch.

The Brazilian club reportedly intend to keep Andre for the remainder of the Copa Libertadores pursuit.

And it is allegedly unlikely the Reds will go back in for the 22-year-old in January upon the end of the Brazilian domestic season.

Indeed, the publication has claimed Andre’s release clause is actually in advance of £68million, rather than the £34million that has been reported elsewhere.

Fluminense consider Andre as one of their star players and are refusing to let him leave this summer, as they look to win the Copa Libertadores for the first time in their history. They take on Olimpia on August 25 in the first leg of the competition's quarter-finals.

However, the Rio-based club are said to be open to accepting a fee for Andre now with a view to letting the midfielder depart in the January window.

Liverpool take on Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday, with Endo, Szoboszlai and Mac Allister likely to start in midfield, with the latter’s red card from Saturday's 3-1 win over Bournemouth having been overturned following a successful appeal.

Topics: Football, Liverpool, Transfers, Brazil, Jurgen Klopp

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.