Report: Leeds could snatch £13m man as talks with Premier League rivals stall

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Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United have shown an interest in £13 million-rated Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to A Bola, after talks over a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers stalled.

Just this week the ball-winning enforcer, who spent last season on loan at Braga, made it clear how thrilled he was to return to the Estadio Jose Alvalade, describing The Lions as a “special club”.

But Sporting have been hit harder than most by a financial fallout that continues to leave an indelible imprint on the transfer market.

And, if the Portuguese giants receive an offer they can’t refuse, Palhinha will be denied the chance to finally make a name for himself in green and white.

According to A Bola, coach Ruben Aborim believes there’s no one else in his squad to rival the 25-year-old when it comes to snatching back possession and executing perfectly timed interceptions in the middle of the park.

However, if Leeds are willing to put a £13 million offer on the table, Sporting will reluctantly open the door and push Palhinha towards West Yorkshire.

Technically gifted and blessed with the boundless energy of a Duracell bunny, the Sporting academy graduate is more Adam Forshaw than Kalvin Phillips.

But with the latter missing most of last season through injury, it’s tempting to wonder whether Palhinha’s arrival could bring an unfortunate end to Forshaw’s time at Leeds.

Palhinha has also been heavily linked with a move to Wolves but, despite agreeing terms with the Molineux outfit, talks have hit the buffers in recent weeks (Mirror, 18 August, page 48).

Wolves are now expected to sign Porto’s Vitor Ferreira instead.