Liverpool Ready To Move For Joao Pahlinha (1 Viewer)

[MartinGee]

According to reports, Liverpool has been monitoring Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha as a potential target for their midfield for the upcoming summer transfer window. It seems that Liverpool has abandoned its interest in signing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, who would command at least £130m. Instead, Liverpool plans to acquire two or potentially up to three new midfielders for the 2023-24 season, and the club is searching for less expensive options.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool has been keeping a watchful eye on Palhinha throughout the season and has dispatched scouts to watch him on several occasions. Although Palhinha is under contract at Craven Cottage until 2027, Liverpool seems to have a positive relationship with his agent, Jorge Mendes. However, Manchester United may also be interested in signing Palhinha, and Fulham coach Marco Silva has claimed that the midfielder is content at Craven Cottage.

Palhinha has adjusted quickly to life in the Premier League, scoring four goals in 31 games in all tournaments and earning praise for his tenacious performances, including making the highest number of tackles in the league this season.

"He (Palhinha) is happy here. It is the same with players and managers. It is impossible to control what people write," Silva told a press conference when asked about interest in the Portuguese.
"Whether it is managers or players are linked with clubs, or if there is interest. To be honest, it is something that we don't lose time thinking about these situations. With Joao it is the same."

As many as four Liverpool midfielders may depart from the club this summer, with Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set to leave upon the expiry of their contracts. Additionally, Arthur will return to Juventus at the end of his loan spell, which has been deemed a nightmare. Although James Milner's deal is set to end at the conclusion of the season, he may still be given a short-term extension despite being 37 years old.

Liverpool has withdrawn its interest in Bellingham and is reportedly targeting Chelsea's Mason Mount as their primary midfield option. However, several other midfielders have been mentioned as potential alternatives, including Conor Gallagher, Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolo Barella, and Ryan Gravenberch.

Presently, Liverpool sits in eighth place in the Premier League table and is 12 points behind the Champions League positions. The club's next fixture will be against Leeds United on Monday night.