Joao Palhinha ‘has the quality’ to shine at Manchester United - as Erik ten Hag’s side prepare to battle Liverpool for the Fulham midfielder.
The Portugal international is enjoying an assured first season in the Premier League after moving to Fulham from Sporting CP. The 27-year-old has started all but three league matches, helping the Craven Cottage side to an impressive mid-table berth.
Palhinha has formed a formidable partnership with Harrison Reed for Marco Silva’s charges, with Reed recently describing his teammate as a “tackling machine”. Statistics back that claim up - Palhinha has more interceptions leading to chances than any other Premier League player this term.
Ten Hag has improved United’s midfield since his appointment as manager last year, with the signings of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen having a positive impact. But the Dutchman feels his work in the department is not done and wants another new player in the position in the summer transfer window.
There is also the possibility that both Fred and Scott McTominay will leave Old Trafford as Ten Hag continues to rebuild his squad. Meanwhile, Marcel Sabizter’s loan from Bayern Munich expires at the end of the campaign.
According to The Sun, United have joined the race to sign Palhinha in the summer. It is claimed that Fulham will reluctantly sell him if their asking price of around £60million is met, a year on from paying £20m for his services.
A 20-cap Portugal international who has won trophies with Sporting and Braga, Palhinha looks to have the profile of the type of player United will target and Dimitar Berbatov believes he would be the ideal signing for his former side.
The ex-United and Fulham striker told Betfred: “He certainly has the quality to do so (make the step up). He's having a great season for Fulham and he's at that moment in his career, at the age of 27, where he can become even better.
“He has everything that a holding midfielder needs. He's not afraid of challenges, he can pass, he's great at spraying a diagonal ball and switching the play. He's also capable of scoring goals too.
"If a team like Manchester United, or a team of a similar calibre, comes for him, then he's going to think it's time for the next step and to win trophies. He's had a brilliant first season in the Premier League but he needs to maintain that level of consistency.
"He can't believe that all the hard work is done after one season because remaining consistent is going to benefit his career a lot more. He is good enough to play for Manchester United at the moment."
A potential stumbling block for United, however, is that Liverpool are also reported to be keen admirers of Palhinha. Jurgen Klopp’s need for new options in central midfield is undoubtedly more pressing and it is considered a priority position to strengthen at Anfield.
Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson are both 32 while the trio of Alex Oxalde-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner are set to be out of contract.
