Liverpool are said to be holding talks with the agent of Joao Palhinha as the Merseysiders are looking to beat Manchester United to his transfer.
As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool and Manchester United are chasing the Portuguese international.
Moreover, in other reports, Fulham are ready to let go of Palhinha if they could sign Andre Trindade from Fluminense. However, Andre Trindade has been a long-time target for the Reds as well.
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The 28-year-old holding midfielder had a great first season at Craven Cottage. So much so that he nearly joined Bayern Munich this summer.
Fulham all but agreed to sell Palhinha to the record Bundesliga champions in an initial £60m move on deadline day.
But the switch fell through at the last minute, despite the Portuguese expecting to sign for Bayern. Hence, Bayern still hold some interest in the Portuguese midfielder.
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Liverpool to beat Man United to Palhinha this January?
Palhinha could join an elite PL club as Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United are all in the mix to sign the midfielder. It is reported that Fulham have reportedly set an asking price of £60m.
However, Liverpool’s interest in Palhinha is said to be way too old, even from before he joined Fulham.
Klopp is said to have eyed the 28-year-old while he was at Sporting Lisbon in July 2022. This was before his £20m move to England and the Portuguese impressed Klopp back then too.
As per reports, Liverpool had their scouts track Palhinha regularly for some time. It is clear that Klopp still retains his admiration for the player as a few have called him to be ‘perfect’ for the Reds. But now the Reds face competition and look to sign the player this January.
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However, for Arsenal, it might be not possible with their £100m acquisition of Declan Rice this summer. Hence, spending big again on a holding midfielder doesn’t make sense.
As for Manchester United, they are struggling this season and are looking to bolster their midfield. However, with Liverpool in a better league position, Palhinha might not choose Ten Haag’s side.
I’m a football enthusiast and an avid writer and someone who lives by the Bill Shankly quote, on a day to day basis.
