Manager speaks out on Man Utd linked midfielder Andre being set to move to the Premier League

Andre Trindade’s £30 million departure from Fluminense is now ‘imminent’ with Manchester United one of the Premier League clubs keen on the Brazil international.

That is according to Fernando Diniz. And he should know. Diniz coached Andre’s Fluminense side to Copa Libertadores this month, all the while doubling up as an interim boss for the Brazil national team.

As if he didn’t have enough on his plate already, Diniz has also had to cope with the seemingly inevitable departure of two of his South American champions. 

Manchester United in Andre Trindade race

Fluminense captain Nino is expected to join Nottingham Forest for around £6 million.

Andre Trindade should add another £30 million to the Flu coffers. Manchester United are interested, per reliable Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola, alongside Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and co.

“Andre’s departure is imminent,” Diniz tells Sport Buzz. “If Europe wants to take someone out of here (Fluminense), they will. Few clubs can keep a player (in the face of Premier League interest).”

Somewhat surprisingly given the size and the stature of the clubs hot on Andre’s heels, the team leading the race for his signature as things stand appears to be Fulham.

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The Cottagers are on the lookout for a long-term Joao Palhinha replacement. Bayern Munich are refusing to give up on the Portuguese powerhouse even as the ink dries on his new contract. Manchester United, according to The Standard, have ‘only enquired’ about Andre Trindade as things stand.

Whether they turn that interest into something more serious, however, is likely to rest upon whether the FFP-restricted Red Devils can raise funds in January, perhaps by cashing in on Jadon Sancho, Donny Van de Beek, Raphael Varane or a player Andre idolises, Selecao veteran Casemiro.

Casemiro could leave Old Trafford

There is interest from Saudi Arabia in Casemiro (TEAMtalk).

And while Manchester United are keen to retain one of their most experienced campaigners, the prospect of a £50 million windfall for a highly-paid 31-year-old seemingly on the decline may be too good an offer to turn down.