Newcastle United are still chasing the signing of Sporting midfielder Joao Palhinha despite failing to pay up for him in the January transfer window.
That’s according to Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Noticias, who claim that Newcastle still have a watching brief on Palhinha.
It’s understood that Newcastle sent scouts to watch Sporting against Porto in a bad-tempered game earlier this month.
Five players were sent off, including Palhinha, who was only a substitute for Sporting’s big game.
A mass brawl saw four players pick up red cards at full time, after Sebastian Coates had been dismissed in the second half.
Palhinha was involved, meaning Newcastle may not have gained all that much from seeing him face Porto.
Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also understood to be interested in Palhinha and have been watching him in Portugal.
Palhinha, 26, has bagged three goals in 19 league games this season and predominantly plays as a defensive midfielder.
A huge presence at 6ft 3in tall, Palhinha is strong and has been likened to Hercules by teammate Jovane Cabral.
Reports from Portuguese newspaper Record suggested in January that Newcastle were showing a keen interest in Palhinha.
They wanted to take Palhinha on loan with an option to buy, which wasn’t to Sporting’s liking.
Sporting were demanding £29million for Palhinha, and Newcastle seemingly weren’t keen having splashed out for Bruno Guimaraes.
If Newcastle stay up though, they may be willing to splash the cash on another midfielder with Palhinha fitting the bill.
Don’t be surprised if Newcastle keep sending scouts to Portugal between now and the summer, with Palhinha seemingly a very important target.
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