Manchester United have been linked with midfielders this month and the latest name in the focus is that of Joao Palhinha, who is a key player for Sporting Lisbon.
According to Record, Man Utd and other suitors have made contact lately and there are strong chances that the play breaker will leave the Lions in the January transfer window.
Transfer: £17m star may have agreed pre-contract to sign for Manchester United – Report
The 26-year-old defensive midfielder’s contract with the Liga Nos side will expire in 2026. The famous Portuguese source have mentioned that in the summer, Sporting were demanding a fee of 40 million euros.
Now, the reigning Primeira Liga champions have lowered the asking price but have told the suitors that a fee over 30 million euros (£25million) will be needed to lure the player before the end of the transfer deadline.
The former Braga man is a proven quality holding midfield star. Last season, in 28 league starts, Palhinha helped his team keep 18 clean sheets. This season, the Seleccao star has so far started 16 league games under the management of Ruben Amorin and has helped Sporting keep 10 clean sheets. Moreover, he has scored 3 goals as well.
The 12-capped international made his debut for the senior national side back in March last year and he made two appearances at the European Championships.
At Old Trafford, there is no specialist defensive midfield star to provide support to the defenders. Fred, McTominay and Pogba are not tacklers and Matic’s best days are long gone. Therefore, to sort out the defensive conundrum, Man Utd must secure a DM this month.
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