MANCHESTER UNITED are plotting to hijack Bayern Munich’s move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to reports.
That’s after Fulham rejected Bayern’s opening £30million offer.
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The Cottagers value the central midfielder, 28, at £60m according to Sky Sports.
Barcelona are also interested according to the outlet but remain cash strapped.
The club would at the very least need to sell before they buy to bring in the midfielder.
Bringing in Palhinha would represent a U-turn for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos’ apparent rules of recruitment.
The club are focusing on bringing in young players under the age of 25 with high sell on value.
But Palhinha’s quality could already see the club go back on that commitment – despite the fact he will be 29 by the time the season begins.
The defensive midfielder was a whisker away from joining Bayern Munich last summer, and was even filmed clutching a Bayern shirt for his media duties ahead of a move.
He was seen leaving Munich airport as a dejected figure but knuckled down and had another good season with Fulham.
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He played 33 times at the base of Fulham’s midfield last season in the Premier League, scoring four goals and registering one assist.
He is expected to start for Portugal at the upcoming Euros, with the team competing in Group F.
They will be competing against Turkey, Georgia and Czechia.
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