Liverpool now hold agent talks to beat Man Utd to ‘perfect’ £60m transfer

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Liverpool have now held talks with the agent of Joao Palhinha as the Anfield natives look to beat Manchester United to the midfielder’s transfer from Fulham in January.

That is according to TEAMtalk, which reports that Liverpool and Manchester United are now two of the teams targeting Palhinha. The 28-year-old has an array of suitors after starting his second season at Fulham in superb form. He also almost joined Bayern Munich this summer.

Fulham all but agreed to sell Palhinha to the record Bundesliga champions in an initial £60m move on deadline day. But the switch fell through at the last minute, despite the Portuguese expecting to sign for Der FCB. Bayern Munich also retain some interest in Palhinha’s transfer.

Liverpool and Manchester United face a £60m fee for Joao Palhinha

But Palhinha could have his pick of the Premier League’s elite to join in January with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all interested. Each club has also had talks with the 23-cap international’s agent to check his situation. Yet Fulham will still expect to earn at least £60m.

Premier League teams are also fearful of Craven Cottage chiefs increasing their price tag for a mid-season deal. Palhinha agreed to sign a new contract through until June 2028 after his switch to Bayern Munich collapsed. He has also started 11 Premier League games this term.

Jurgen Klopp had Joao Palhinha scouted after his transfer to Fulham

Liverpool may not be too opposed to meeting Fulham’s £60m price tag to secure Palhinha’s transfer in January. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has also eyed the Cottagers’ £20m capture off Sporting Lisbon in July 2022 before. Palhinha impressed the coach after moving to England.

According to reports by Goal this July, Liverpool had their scouts track Palhinha regularly for some time. Clearly, Klopp retains his admiration for a player Clinton Morrison said in August would be ‘perfect’ for the German. But the Merseysiders may face a wealth of competition.