Man Utd to shatter Liverpool, Tottenham plans as Ten Hag is set achievable fee to land tigerish Prem midfielder
Manchester United are reportedly considering an approach to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha amid claims the Cottagers have named their price for the tough-tackling Portuguese star.
The 27-year-old moved to the Premier League last summer from Sporting Lisbon in a bargain £20m switch. At the time, the likes of Tottenham and United were among those considering moves for the 20-times capped star.
However, it was Fulham who landed his signing, pinning the all-action midfielder down to a deal to 2027.
Palhinha has adapted quickly to life in the Premier League, scoring four times in all competitions for Marco Silva’s side.
But it seems that Fulham will have a tough time holding on to his services beyond this season, with a string of admirers casting admiring glances his way.
To that end, Tottenham are being tipped to rekindle their previous interest in the player. Chelsea, meanwhile, are also being tipped to launch a move as Mauricio Pochettino plots ways to strengthen his Blues squad.
Liverpool are also being strongly tipped to move for the Portuguese star. Jurgen Klopp is keen to add fresh faces to his engine room and Palhinha is reportedly on his shortlist.
However, the trio could all find themselves beaten to the punch by Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag is looking to bolster his midfield and is reportedly also considering a move for Palhinha. And with Donny van der Beek and Scott McTominay possibly departing this summer, Ten Hag could have room to strengthen.
They have already been linked with Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton. However, Football Insider believes a move for Palhinha could also be on the cards.
READ MORE ~ Man Utd takeover: Glazers tipped to keep Red Devils stake if Sir Jim Ratcliffe bid is successful
Realistic fee set for Man Utd to sign Palhinha
If United are to pounce for the player, then Fulham are seemingly putting a obtainable fee on his head.
And while they would prefer to keep him, the report claims they are setting a fee of around £50m to consider his sale. That would see the club make a 150% profit on their initial investment in just 12 months, giving Marco Silva the finances to further strengthen his squad.
The Cottagers have enjoyed an excellent first season back in the Premier League but plans are in place to consolidate their place among the elite.
And the Portuguese coach has ambitious plans to further push Fulham up the Premier League table next season.
However, the loss of Palhinha would certainly hit them hard. Per this season’s statistics, he has clocked up the most tackles of any player in the division this season with 119. That’s more than the likes of Tyler Adams of Leeds and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
An ever-present when available, the Portuguese has had to sit out three games as a result of suspensions. Indeed, he has chalked up 12 bookings from 29 appearances so far this season.
He earns an estimated £50,000 a week at Craven Cottage. However, the 27-year-old would see his wage sky-rocket by sealing a move elsewhere.