West Ham are reportedly set to be beaten to the signing of Fluminense ace Andre by Premier League rivals Liverpool in a further blow to David Moyes.
SBT Sports journalist Lucas Pedrosa reported on 31 August that West Ham had matched Liverpool’s offer for the 22-year-old midfielder.
Andre ultimately stayed at Fluminense, but Dean Jones reported on Sunday via GIVEMESPORT that Liverpool are tempted to make a fresh move in January
It is claimed that Liverpool are even looking to have an agreement in place before the window opens in order to see off competition from rival clubs.
Signing a player like Andre would have been a big boost halfway through the season, but it seems likely he is on his way to Liverpool now.
This would not be the first Brazilian target West Ham have missed out on this year, as a deal for Yuri Alberto also collapsed in the summer [ESPN, 28 August].
When other clubs will be strengthening their squads in January, it looks likely that Moyes will have to make do with what he has.
That is if Moyes is even still in charge at the London Stadium, with some turning against him after the 4-1 loss to Aston Villa on Sunday [22 August].
West Ham chiefs surely have no immediate plans to part company with Moyes, but you never know with this sport – and indeed this club.
Add into the mix other supposed targets that got away, such as Ian Maatsen, and Moyes has every right to feel upset about this development.
And as far as West Ham’s scouting network in Brazil goes, they must learn that finding a talent is only half the battle – getting a deal over the line is another matter entirely.
