Glenn Fernandes
Sporting CP not interested in anything ‘less than €30m’ for João Palhinha amidst links to Manchester United
According to Portuguese outlet Jornal de Notícias (h/t Sports Witness), it is believed that Sporting CP will not let João Palhinha move for anything less than €30m. It was being claimed that Manchester United were preparing an offer for €20m but that could now prove to be well short of the mark.
The 26-year-old midfielder has played 86 matches across all competitions for the Portuguese club to date. He has become an instrumental part in the middle of the park for the Verde e brancos. The Portuguese professional footballer has a €60m release clause in his contract.
The Red Devils have struggled to assert their dominance in the middle of the park on occasions. The intense style of play being adopted by Ralf Rangnick has asked quite a few questions of these players in recent times and a rebuild could possibly be on the cards to usher the club into a new era.
Man United already has the lies of Scott McTominay and Fred who play as defensive midfielders. The Brazilian has grown into prominence ever since the German manager has taken over and asserted his presence. The Scotland international on the other hand has had to struggle with nagging injury issues in recent times.
Donny van de Beek has also shown in a relatively short time during his current loan spell at Everton that he can play in a more defensive position in the middle of the park and was put in a great performance against Manchester City for the Toffees in their last Premier League encounter.
That being said, the Dutch professional footballer is not a natural defensive midfielder and the club could do well to add some more reinforcement in that position. Palhinha can offer that extra bit of solidity and defensive cover in midfield for the Red Devils.
His acquisition could also help add more depth to the squad at Old Trafford who are currently struggling to find their feet. The Portuguese midfielder could also help fill in should the likes of McTominay or Fred get injured or be ruled out due to any unforeseen circumstances.
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The Mancunian club have also been linked with the likes of Declan Rice and Aurélien Tchouaméni who ply their trade in similar positions. Palhinha could be considered as a more affordable and attainable option in comparison to the above-mentioned duo.
Only time can tell whether or not the 26-year-old Portuguese makes way to Old Trafford but the club would certainly do well to add another defensive midfielder in their ranks should they look to compete at the top level on a consistent basis.
