Joao Palhinha of Fulham has been linked to a summer transfer to Aston Villa for a fee of up to £60 million
Football Insider reports that Aston Villa are prepared to outbid Chelsea and Manchester United for the services of Joao Palhinha. Speculation about a departure from Fulham has prompted the West Midlands club to offer £60 million to capture the club’s midfielder.
Before the summer transfer market opens, Aston Villa wants to add players to their roster. Some big names have been floated as potential targets for Unai Emery’s search for a new midfielder to bolster the defence. They have been connected to notable players as the team moves forward.
Villa would want to invest enough to have a competitive team regardless of whether or not they compete in Europe next season. One of the candidates for a fresh midfielder spot is Joao Palhinha. Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi, both of Real Sociedad, have been the subject of rumored double raids.
However, Emery may see Palhinha’s potential and push for the club to complete the transfer. The report claims that Aston Villa are willing to meet Fulham’s asking price of £60 million for the Portuguese enforcer. The Cottagers had wanted to remain for a while, but the increasing amount of interest has made them consider selling.
Joao Palhinha of Fulham has been linked to a summer transfer to Aston Villa for a fee of up to £60 million
There is also interest from Manchester United, who may or may not be prepared to pay Fulham’s asking price for the midfielder. Liverpool has been mentioned as a possible contender for a long time, as has Chelsea.
The Blues need a tenacious midfielder to make life easier for Enzo Fernandez. The new anchorman might make room for the Argentine. The sum Chelsea would have to pay for Palhinha, though, might make them choose a younger player instead.
Fulham’s summer signing, Palhinha, has been a huge success. He has given Marco Silva’s squad some much-needed grit, which has kept them in the race for a European spot. The Portuguese superstar has made more tackles than any other Premier League player so far this season.
Villa is prepared to spend close to £60 million to get the services of Fulham’s transfer target. Getting to Europe would help them in their quest, and may be a positive development for Palhinha in general.
In other news Joao Cancelo has been the subject of transfer talks between Barcelona and his agent
