Liverpool are ‘definitely not’ in the race to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha in January, according to reports from Germany.
Liverpool have been linked with signing a defensive midfielder in the winter window and Palhinha’s performances in the Premier League have placed him on the wish-list of several leading clubs.
The Portugal international led the Premier League for tackles won last season, and again tops the metric so far this season. His 76 tackles are 24 more than any other player in the division.
Bayern Munich failed with a late bid to sign the 28-year-old in the summer and are understood to remain interested in Palhinha.
However, Sky Germany are reporting that the midfielder is currently deemed ‘too expensive’ by the Bundesliga champions. West Ham also had an offer for Palhinha rejected last summer, as the Irons sought a replacement for Declan Rice.
The report has also ruled Liverpool out of the running, but claims ‘many other top clubs want’ Palhinha in the January window. Fulham are understood to value the ball-winner in excess of £60m, a figure which some sides have reservations around given the player’s age.
Fulham signed Palhinha from Sporting Lisbon for a fee of around £20m in 2022.
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