Liverpool want Fulham star Joao Palhinha as they consider their midfield targets having backed away from Jude Bellingham.
The Reds have decided to pull out of the Bellingham race as they believe splashing so much money on one player isn’t a good idea.
Liverpool seemingly realise that they need multiple signings this summer and missing out on the Champions League means Bellingham just isn’t attainable.
Liverpool may now look elsewhere and they are thought to be looking at Fulham star Joao Palhinha.
That is according to a report from the Daily Mail, who claim that Palhinha is ‘in the frame’ for Liverpool.
The Portuguese star joined Fulham from Sporting last summer as Marco Silva pushed through a £20million deal.
Palhinha has been sensational for Fulham and he is bound to receive top-level interest this summer.
Fulham won’t want to sell Palhinha but may be tempted into taking hefty profit on the 27-year-old.
Joao Palhinha is a Fabinho competitor rather than a Bellingham alternative
Liverpool have been prolific in the Portuguese market of late with deals for Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.
Palhinha may well have been on Liverpool’s radar from his Sporting days, where he was hailed as a ‘special player’ by Ruben Amorim.
Palhinha doesn’t really fit the bill as a direct alternative to Bellingham though.
The 6ft 3in anchor man is just so good in front of his back four, proving himself to be a defensive machine.
Bellingham is more of a box-to-box player, so Liverpool’s interest in Palhinha may actually be as competition for Fabinho.
The Brazilian hasn’t been at his best this season and Liverpool don’t quite have a direct competitor.
Palhinha could be that player for Liverpool – if Jurgen Klopp and co do make their move for him this summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
