Man Utd transfer target Joao Palhinha has ‘one foot out the door’ at Sporting as £25m midfielder seeks January move
MANCHESTER UNITED transfer target Joao Palhinha is nearing an exit from Sporting Lisbon, according to reports.
And the 26-year-old midfielder is reportedly eyeing a ‘dream move’ to the Premier League.
There was interest in Palhinha last summer but his £33million price tag deterred a bid from being made.
But Sporting have now lowered that fee to £25m and according to Record, the player has one foot out of the door.
Manchester United are believed to be keen along with Premier League rivals Wolves and Tottenham.
The Red Devils may also have to fight off interest from Spanish sides Sevilla and Atletico Madrid – both of whom are believed to want Palhinha.
There have reportedly been several approaches from agents in recent days enquiring about Palhinha and any deal would have to be completed quickly given the transfer window closes next Monday.
Sporting manager Ruben Amorim hopes his star will stay but he was unable to rule out a move a few days ago.
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Amorim told O Jogo: “Palhinha goes to the game. Regarding the market, we don’t know.
“Seven days to go. It’s a short space, everyone will know what’s going to happen, it’s not worth thinking about.
“Palhinha is [ready] to play and is doing very well.
“I trust that I can stay with Palhinha, but football has things that we do not control, we know that the situation of the club and the country has not changed that much. I’m counting on Palhinha and I hope he continues.”
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