Manchester United are reportedly keen on Andre Trindade and a move to the Premier League giants could see the Fluminense ace link up with his idol Casemiro.
Described as ‘the best defensive midfielder in Brazil’ by Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz, Andre Trindade has long been viewed as a potential Casemiro replacement in the Selecao set-up.
But what about at club level, too?
Casemiro’s difficult start to the new campaign has raised some serious and rather awkward questions about his longevity at the wrong side of 30. And, according to Brazilian reporter Emmanuel Luiz, Manchester United already have sounded out Andre – nearly a decade Casemiro’s junior, having held initial talks with the youngster’s camp.
Andre, who has made 150 first-team appearances already and helped inspire Fluminense to the final of the Copa Libertadores – where he will go head-to-head with Edinson Cavani, Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo – could earn only his second cap for Brazil tonight.
Brazil take on Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier.
Manchester United like Andre Trindade
“It is very satisfying to be here always competing with the best, especially in the Brazilian team, which has the best (players) in the world,” Andre tells Folha de Pernambuco.
“In recent years, Casemiro has been a top one player (in his position) in Europe. Playing in the best competitions. So it’s been a period of a lot of learning. I’m trying to learn a lot from him, from his movements, from his marking too, as he’s the player who most resembles me.”
Casemiro ‘most resembles me’
Manchester United may have already left it a bit late to reunite Andre and Casemiro at Old Trafford, however. Emmanuel Luiz adds that Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Andre, Fluminense’s president already confirming their interest amid reports of a £25 million summer bid.
Then again, Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat may be living proof that, when it comes to sheer pulling power, Man United may still have the edge.
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