Joao Palhinha has no interest in leaving Sporting Lisbon this summer amid reported interest from Leicester City and Leeds United, the midfielder’s agent Luis Neves has told Record.
This time last year, the 25-year-old was facing an uncertain future at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, farmed out on loan to Braga after failing to establish himself at his home-town club.
12 months on, it’s fair to say things have changed.
These days Palhinha is a key cog in an all-conquering Sporting machine, the Lisbon-born ball-winner one of the first names on the team sheet at a side cruising towards their first Primeira Liga title since 2002.
A Bola reports that Palhinha, a dogged defensive midfielder in the Wilfred Ndidi mould, is a summer target for Leicester.
But, according to his agent, the late-blooming enforcer won’t be going anywhere after being rewarded for his fine form with a first call-up to the Portuguese national team this month.
“(Sporting) gave him the chance to shine – and he is very happy with Sporting,” Neves says of his coveted client, who has a £53 million release clause in his contract.
“Before returning to Sporting, he already had clubs interested in signing him. Today, naturally, there are a few more.
“There were several approaches at the beginning of the season but the player’s goal was to stay and shine at Sporting. He knew he had a coach who believed in him.
“Obviously, after everything that has happened this season, with his evolution and with the call-up to the national team, he will be worth a little more.
“He is very focused on Sporting. It is Sporting he wants. He wants to be champion and I believe he will be for Sporting. He wants to play for the national team.”
The Mirror (6 September, page 68) reported Leeds made an enquiry about Palhinha.
And with Marcelo Bielsa’s side scouring the market for a deep-lying enforcer capable of easing the crushing burden on Kalvin Phillips, the Yorkshire giants could come calling again before too long.
But it seems Leeds – and Leicester – will be wasting their time.
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