Man United ‘interested in signing £40m-worth Joao Palhin’ as reinforcements in Red Devils’ target midfield… but face competition from five Premier League rivals for the Portuguese, who he has been a star for Fulham this season.
- Joao Palhinha has enjoyed an excellent season since joining Fulham last summer.
- The defensive midfielder has been key in Marco Silva’s surprise commitment to Europe
- Man United are among six clubs reportedly monitoring the 27-year-old.
Manchester United have reportedly joined the race for Fulham star Joao Palhinha as Erik ten Hag’s side look for midfield reinforcements this summer.
Palhinha has enjoyed an excellent debut season in the Premier League after joining Fulham in a £17.2m summer move.
The Portuguese midfielder has been touted as a candidate for the Premier League signing of the season, after becoming a vital part of Fulham’s surprise push for European football.
Palhinha has now attracted interest from Man United, with Sun reporting that Erik ten Hag’s team are among the top six Premier League clubs to follow the star.
Premier League leaders Arsenal are also believed to have interest, along with Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham.
Joao Palhinha has enjoyed an excellent debut season to help Fulham’s surprise push into Europe.
The defensive midfielder has added steel to Marco Silva’s team throughout the campaign
Fulham are expected to resist offers for Palhinha, whose value has skyrocketed to more than £40m following his impressive season.
The 27-year-old signed a five-year deal last summer when he joined Marco Silva’s side from Sporting Lisbon.
Fulham also have the option to extend Palhinha’s contract for a further 12 months.
Palhinha has made the most tackles in the Premier League this season, adding steel to Fulham’s midfield throughout the campaign.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United are claimed to be one of six clubs monitoring Palhinha
He will miss the Cottagers’ home game against Arsenal on Sunday as he completes a two-match ban, after picking up 10 yellow cards in the league.
Palhinha has only missed two Premier League games this season, both through suspension.
He has contributed three goals in his 24 appearances in the League.
His magnificent opening goal from 30 yards against Leeds helped Fulham book a place in the FA Cup quarter-final earlier this month.
Palhinha has made 18 appearances for Portugal since making his debut in 2021, with the midfielder scoring twice.