Liverpool lead Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea in chase for in-form midfielder

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 15 Mar 2023 14:16 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool are believed to be leading the chase for Joao Palhinha but they will face stiff competition from a host of top four rivals to sign the Fulham midfielder this summer.

Palhinha has been a revelation for the Cottagers since his £20 million move from Sporting Lisbon last summer, producing more tackles than any other player in Europe to help the newly-promoted side make an impressive push for a top-half finish in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old still has four years remaining on his contract and Fulham are confident they can keep hold of him for at least another season, with the club believing his value to be closer to triple the amount they paid at around £60m.

PROFILE: Who is Joao Palhinha? Everything you need to know about the Fulham star

Liverpool’s priority target this summer is Jude Bellingham but they would ideally like to sign more midfielders in addition to the Dortmund man this summer, with Palhinha’s defensive capabilities considered a strong compliment to the team.

However, Jurgen Klopp’s side are said to be up against the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United to sign Palhinha, with the league’s top sides aiming to test Fulham’s resolve.

Palhinha’s age means teams believe they could tempt him away from Fulham with the prospect of European football after one season with the club but Marco Silva’s side could also qualify for UEFA competitions as they sit just three points outside the top six.

Liverpool eye Sporting Lisbon reunion in midfield

Fulham pulled off something of a coup when they signed Palhinha last summer, swooping early in the window to sign him without much fanfare.

The Portuguese international, who was part of his country’s squad at the 2022 World Cup, formed an impressive partnership with Matheus Nunes in midfield to lead Sporting to the Primeira Liga title in 2021.

Nunes also left Sporting last summer for Wolves and the 24-year-old is also thought to be a target for Liverpool, potentially reuniting him and Palhinha, although the Reds have a variety of players on their shortlist to bolster their midfield, such as Mason Mount of Chelsea.

CLOSER: Mount edging towards Liverpool transfer as Chelsea contract talks stall

Brighton’s Moises Caicedo is another player wanted by Liverpool as well as Arsenal and Chelsea, while Declan Rice is also expected to cause a transfer saga as the Premier League’s elite sides all look to strengthen in the middle of the park.