Liverpool are reportedly considering making a move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer, after pulling out of the race for Jude Bellingham.
Jurgen Klopp is keen to bolster his squad ahead of next season – especially in the middle of the park – with the Reds linked to a number of Premier League centre-mids in recent weeks.
Fulham, who have been flying this season, would no doubt be disappointed to lose Palhinha, so it may require a sizeable bid for Liverpool to get a deal over the line.
Indeed, Marco Silva’s side currently sit in 10th place in the Premier League table, just five points behind eighth-placed Liverpool and therefore still in with a chance of qualifying for Europe next season.
Some of the credit for Fulham’s fine form has to go to Palhinha, too, after he has gradually become a stalwart in Silva’s starting XI.
The 26-year-old only joined the London club last summer for a fee of £17m, penning a five-year deal at Craven Cottage.
Since, Palhinha has made 26 Premier League appearances, scoring three goals in the process.
Operating generally from the defensive midfield position, the Portugal international’s best attributes are in passing and breaking up opposition attacks.
This term, Palhinha has an impressive pass success rate of 82.6% and makes an average of 4 tackles per game – one of the highest for his position in the division.
With that in mind, it’s no surprise to see Liverpool interested in his signature, with Klopp looking to revamp his midfield this summer.
Indeed, James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are all past their prime, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are set to depart Anfield at the end of the season.
As mentioned, Bellingham, until very recently, was considered to be the Reds’ primary summer target.
However, they have now pulled out of the race for the Borussia Dortmund superstar due to his astronomical price tag of approximately £130m.
They have also been priced out of a move for another midfielder – Brighton’s Moises Caicedo – after the south coast club slapped an £80m valuation on him.
Now, according to Football Insider, Liverpool have sent scouts to watch Palhinha, as they consider making a move for the Fulham star as an alternative.
The report adds that the Merseysiders have a strong relationship with the Jorge Mendes-owned Gestifute agency, which represents the midfielder and may give them an upper hand in any potential negotiations.
The Portuguese star could in theory be an excellent addition for Liverpool, as it has been clear this season that they need someone who can protect their backline more effectively than an ageing Fabinho or Henderson.
However, the Reds will still have to put their money where their mouth is to get a deal over the line – with Palhinha having an estimated value of £35m, according to Transfermarkt.
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