Crystal Palace’s interest in Corinthians midfielder André Luiz remains active. The player’s representatives are now travelling to Europe in an attempt to accelerate talks over a summer transfer.
The Premier League side were recently revealed to have sent a scout to watch the 19-year-old during Corinthians’ win over Remo.
Now ESPN Brazil followed up on that story. They reported Palace remain one of the clubs keeping tabs on the youngster. Meanwhile, his entourage works to generate concrete interest across Europe.
Corinthians have accepted that they will likely have to make one major sale this summer. This is one of the ‘easiest’ means to help ease the club’s financial problems.
Corinthians know exactly what they want
According to ESPN Brazil, André Luiz’s representatives are currently in Europe holding talks and trying to move a deal forward with interested clubs.
Corinthians have also made their stance crystal clear. They will only consider selling if an offer reaches €18m (£15.6m) up front, plus another €4m (£3.5m) in bonuses.
Juventus continue to be the club showing the strongest interest and are monitoring the situation closely, although they still haven’t made an official bid.
Crystal Palace also remain in the frame after sending a scout to watch André in person. However, they too are yet to put an offer on the table.
European interest keeps growing
This isn’t the first time André Luiz has come close to a move abroad. A few months ago, AC Milan were on the verge of signing the midfielder. The deal was worth €17m (£14.7m).
The transfer was close to being completed. However, then-Corinthians manager Dorival Júnior asked the club to pull the plug and keep the youngster.
Since then, André has become a regular starter under Fernando Diniz, making himself even more attractive to clubs looking for a young midfielder with room to develop.
With Corinthians now openly planning for a big-money sale, the asking price already set and André’s representatives working in Europe to find the right deal, Crystal Palace will have every chance to decide whether their scouting trip turns into something more serious before the window shuts.
Who knows if they will pop in London sometime soon.
