Liverpool and Tottenham interested in Fulham star Palhinha

Cameron Smith

• 12 Jan 2023 22:23 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have both joined the race to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, just months after he joined the West London club.

Palhinha, 27, has emerged as a potential summer signing for both teams following his immediate adaption to the English top flight.

Jurgen Klopp's side are in the hunt for a new central midfielder, with James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho all ageing. Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield, as well as Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.

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It's clear that a new central midfielder is wanted by Klopp and the hierarchy at Liverpool, and Palhinha has been added to their list of potential midfield signings.

Tottenham also appear to be in the hunt for a new central midfielder, despite signing Yves Bissouma from Brighton last summer.

Palhinha to leave Fulham?

According to Give Me Sport's Dean Jones, Palhinha is a player that both Liverpool and Tottenham are hunting.

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Jones said: "His consistency is almost unrivalled across the league for players in this position, and it is understood that Liverpool and Tottenham are two of the clubs casting an eye over him at the moment.

"Fulham know they have an absolute gem in this 27-year-old Portuguese international and absolutely do not want to lose him."

Fulham hold the cards in any negotiations as Palhinha is contracted to the club until 2027, meaning they will be able to hold out for a large fee if Liverpool and Spurs end up heavily pursuing a move for the midfielder.

Palhinha has made 19 appearances in all competitions for Fulham since arriving from Sporting CP, netting three goals. He's played a key role in Fulham's impressive start to the season, with his defensive work helping Marco Silva's side stay in the hunt for European football.