Manchester United have “arrived strong” in the race to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade, according to Trivela.com.

The Brazilian website claims that the Red Devils have been weighing up a move for the 22-year-old in recent weeks and had “representatives” in attendance as Fluminense beat Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores final last weekend.

It is believed that Andre is seen as “Casemiro’s heir” with the Manchester United player having struggled for form and fitness so far this campaign.

The 31-year-old is expected to be out until Christmas with a hamstring injury he sustained during the first half of the 3-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup at the start of this month.

Fluminense are expected to demand at least €30m (£26m) for Andre, which Trivela say is well within United’s transfer budget for the January transfer window.

Other Premier League rivals have been keeping tabs on Andre

Liverpool, West Ham and Fulham are all said to have made formal bids for the Brazilian international back in the summer but Fluminense turned down the proposals as they wanted to keep him until January.

Arsenal have also been scouting Andre but, out of those four clubs, only one is said to be looking to revive their interest in the New Year.

United’s main competition for the midfielder will be Fulham

Like United, the Cottagers had observers in the stands for the Copa Libertadores final last Saturday and Trivela claim that Marco Silva’s team have been in “constant contact” with Fluminense regarding Andre’s situation.

They report that an “official offer” for the midfielder is expected to be lodged in the “coming days” so United will have to get their act together if they are to challenge Fulham for the player’s signature.

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