MANCHESTER UNITED have shown a vigorous interest in Sporting Lisbon star Joao Palhinha – by sending scouts to watch him EIGHT TIMES already this season.
The Red Devils have been intensely scrutinizing Palhinha’s performances during this campaign ahead of a potential summer bid for the 26-year-old.
United sent scouts to watch Palhinha EIGHT timesCredit: Reuters
And United’s scouts have been to and fro from Portugal on just under ten occasions to make sure the defensive midfielder’s the right fit for the club, Record reported.
United were ardently chasing the dogged midfield ace last summer but were deterred by Sporting’s exorbitant £33million asking price.
But now Ralf Rangnick’s side have waded back into the fray for the Portuguese international after Sporting apparently lowered his asking price to £25m.
However, the Red Devils will face still competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham, Wolves and the uber-rich Newcastle who are also keen on recruiting Palhinha.
And it’s looking increasingly likely that Palhinha will join one of the afore-mentioned clubs as Record claim his heart’s set on a move to the Prem.
They even went as far as to suggest that Sporting’s prized asset has already got one foot out the door.
Sporting manager Ruben Amorim is eager for Palhinha to stay put but he’s resigned to the fact that the midfield menace may leave the club.
Despite the array of interest in Palhinha, United may have the edge in transfer proceedings as they’ve signed two former Sporting stars in the past.
Old Trafford is Palhina’s fellow countrymen Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo’s current home – and they both joined the Red Devils from the Portuguese titans.
Fernandes made the switch in 2019 for a reported mammoth fee of £70m.
While Ronaldo initially joined United from Sporting in 2003 – before leaving to conquer the globe and then heading back for a second spell last summer.
