Ruben Amorim could do with midfield reinforcements following Christian Eriksen’s departure, and more could be on their way as per recent reports.
While the Manchester United head coach has been won over by Casemiro’s professionalism and hard work off the pitch, his wages are a huge problem for INEOS, and the lack of European football means they are ready to cash in this summer.
Kobbie Mainoo is another whose future is far from secure, and despite the club’s best attempts, a new contract is yet to be agreed.
On top of that, the Portuguese tactician is yet to find a stable position for him, playing him all over the pitch last season due to doubts about his fitness levels.
Midfielder needed
And while Manuel Ugarte’s position is not in immediate danger, the Uruguayan struggled quite a lot last season, particularly on the ball, with his deficiencies more pronounced in the Premier League.
Amorim could do with a high-quality alternative and Teamtalk have suggested Joao Palhinha of Bayern Munich could once again be back on the club’s radar with Bayern Munich open to selling him this summer.
The Portugal international was a target for the Red Devils during his Fulham days, during which he was a monster tackler and capable of accurate switches of play while he had the knack of coming up with long-range screamers.
United ultimately failed to cough up the funds being demanded by the Cottagers and he departed to Bavaria, where he has struggled for any real continuity in terms of minutes.
In his debut season in the Bundesliga, the 29-year-old managed a meagre nine starts across all competitions, and after paying £46 million for him last July, the Bundesliga champions are now looking to offload him for only £25 million.
“Bayern Munich are open to selling midfielder Joao Palhinha, with sources informing TEAMtalk they will consider offers worth around £25million (€30m / $34m) amid interest from Manchester United and Fulham.
“TEAMtalk understands Fulham’s interest is genuine, but their ability to meet Bayern’s £25m valuation could hinge on financial flexibility in the transfer window.
Joao Palhinha back on the radar
“Fulham are aware of Palhinha’s injury issues too and this is also making them pause on an official move. A return to London would likely appeal to Palhinha, who previously expressed gratitude for his time at Fulham.
“Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Man Utd are also interested in landing Palhinha. The Red Devils, seeking to bolster their midfield under new management, view Palhinha as a cost-effective option to add steel and experience.”
Fulham are also interested in their former fan favourite, while given the funds crunch at Old Trafford, INEOS could do with a low-cost option, with The Peoples Person relaying United’s interest in a possible loan deal for a midfielder.
Joao Palhinha has played under Amorim at Sporting CP, and knows what the United manager wants from his midfielders. But is injury record could be a cause for concern with the midfielder missing 15 games last season.
So far, INEOS have steered clear of going after stop-gap solutions, focusing on potential instead. Which makes a possible move for Palhinha extremely doubtful at this stage.
Feature image Sebastian Widmann via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
