Former Fulham captain Danny Murphy believes the Premier League newcomers are set to complete a ‘steal’ of a transfer with £18 million Sporting Lisbon ace Joao Palhinha, speaking to talkSPORT (27 June, 12.30pm).
There’s no room for sentiment in top-level football. And a couple of Marco Silva’s Championship winning heroes could be about to find that out the hard way.
Neeskens Kabano, on the back of his finest season on English soil, looks set to lose his place to Manor Solomon. Marek Rodak will probably be consigned to the substitute’s bench too. And you could even say the same about Antonee Robinson, the jet-heeled left-back, with Fulham closing in on Juventus’ Italy international Luca Pellegrini.
Palhinha, meanwhile, should slot straight into Silva’s side without breaking sweat.
One of Europe’s most effective defensive midfielders, the 6ft4 ins enforcer will sign a four-year deal worth around £40,000-a-week at Craven Cottage.
“I’ve seen him play for Portugal. And, I tell you what, I was really impressed with him,” says Murphy, who captained Fulham in their Europa League final defeat to Atletico Madrid back in 2010.
“Maybe he had a couple of games above his normal level because this looks like a steal!”
Fulham set to sign Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira
Fulham have fought off competition from Wolves for Palhinha, stumping up a cool £18 million. And while that is hardly a minor fee, it’s a damn sight less than Sporting Lisbon were demanding in previous transfer windows.
Palhinha could potentially form a new-look central midfield partnership alongside the more attack-minded Andreas Pereira next season. Fulham have submitted a £9 million bid for the once-capped Brazil playmaker. What’s more, Pereira is reportedly very impressed after hearing what Fulham have planned for the Manchester United misfit next season.
“I like Pereira as well,” Murphy adds. “He’s a talent. It sounds like they’re doing good business.”
Fulham could also land Bologna winger Musa Barrow and AC Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli. The latter, if he accepts, would join on a £65,000-a-week deal. Romangoli will be a free-agent next month.
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