Fulham are determined to hold onto Joao Palhinha this summer, with club chief Tony Khan rubbishing rumours that the star midfielder has a release clause in his contract.
Palhinha joined Fulham in a £20million transfer from Sporting back in July last year and he has proven to be an inspired piece of the business. The 27-year-old was one of the most consistent players in the Premier League last season, finishing way clear at the top of the tackle count in the top flight.
He made 40 appearances in all competitions and is already attracting attention from elsewhere, with Liverpool and West Ham among those interested. The Daily Mail have described Jurgen Klopp’s side as the ‘most serious suitors’, with midfielders of huge importance this summer because James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are leaving.
The Hammers are also keeping tabs on him, with David Moyes eyeing the Portugal international as a potential replacement for Declan Rice, who is expected to leave this summer. Rice is keen on moving to Arsenal and The Guardian says the club will back Moyes in the transfer market to find a top-quality replacement.
Rice is ready to reject Bayern Munich to join Mikel Arteta’s side in a deal which could cost around £95m, but it could be delayed if West Ham can’t find a replacement. And it looks as though Fulham will play hardball with any club who comes calling for Palhinha when the transfer window opens on Wednesday.
Responding to an article from talkSPORT which claimed Palhinha had a release clause in his Fulham deal, which could be triggered by West Ham, vice-chairman Khan wrote on Twitter: "There is no release clause”.
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Transfers often end up in chains during windows, with one requiring another to come off before it will be signed off. Arsenal will be hoping that isn’t the case with their pursuit of Rice, who is Mikel Arteta’s top target.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have already completed the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton, but they need more bodies in midfield. Their interest in Palhinha has been growing since March and Klopp spoke glowingly of the Fulham midfielder back in May after a narrow 1-0 win over Marco Silva’s side.
“Defending the centre against Fulham is really important, because Palhinha is there,” Klopp said. “That’s their connector, to get on the ball.”
After stepping away from Jude Bellingham due to Borussia Dortmund’s high asking price, Liverpool have also been linked with a whole host of midfielders. Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte and Brighton‘s Moises Caicedo are among them, but for now they will have to make do with Mac Allister.
The Argentina World Cup winner contributed 12 goals and three assists in 40 appearances across all competitions for Brighton this season and is capable of playing across a range of positions in midfield.
