Fulham identify Palhinha replacement, his wages would not cost a penny

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Fulham are keen on signing a £45 million Manchester City star this summer.

Under Marco Silva, Fulham have continued to grow and develop in the Premier League and have become a very consistent side under the tutelage of the Portuguese manager.

The future of one of Fulham’s best players Joao Palhinha is unclear with HITC previously reporting that Bayern Munich have seen their opening bid for the Portuguese midfielder rejected.

Palhinha was linked with a move to Munich last summer but the deal could not be reached between the two parties but the Bavarian side are keen on trying their luck again this summer.

Fulham’s replacement

If Palhinha is to leave Craven Cottage this summer, the Cottagers would be keen on a replacement and HITC understands that Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips is one name who the club are interested in.

We revealed in May that City had told Phillips that he would be allowed to leave next season on loan as he was not in their plans.

Scottish Premiership sides Celtic and Rangers were among the sides keen on the former Leeds United midfielder as well as Europa League winners Atalanta.

Phillips spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham United but the Englishman struggled to perform and has subsequently lost his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

We can confirm that one of the club’s to show an interest in Phillips is Fulham – who, as mentioned, will be in the market for a new defensive minded midfielder this summer if Palhinha does leave the club.

Phillips to Fulham

Phillips still has four years remaining on his contract at City so a loan deal to get the Englishman out of the Etihad Stadium may well be the only way.

City are willing to cover all of his wages to get the Englishman off the books and a move to Fulham could be the move he needs.

In the previous European Championships in 2021, Phillips was one of England’s most important players and it has been a whirlwind three years for the former Leeds star.