Manchester United are showing growing interest in Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha. Representatives of the "Red Devils" have traveled to Portugal, to see the player in action, a full 8 times this season. In all likelihood the official offer of the English will not be delayed, but the competition for Palhinha is fierce.
United actively followed the midfielder's performances over the past summer. However, the English were overwhelmed by the amount that Sporting demanded in exchange for his services, a full 33 million pounds. But now it is said that Sporting has reduced the price of the footballer's card to 25 million pounds.
Anyway, United will have to fight with Tottenham, the Wolves and at the same time the wealthy owners of Newcastle, who are all interested in Palhinha's services. Portuguese media suggest that the player's desire is to join a club in the Premier League, and in all likelihood will be one of the teams mentioned.
United is home to Palhinha patriots Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes. The latter also came from Sporting Lisbon in 2019. While Ronaldo also joined United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, before joining Real Madrid, and eventually returning to United.
Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim wants Joao to continue to be part of the team, but with each passing day this seems increasingly impossible.
Meanwhile, another United target in the upcoming market is thought to be Nordi Mukiele. RB Leipzig defender is one of Ralf Rangnick's favorite players, who strongly believes in the Frenchman's abilities. If the coach manages to convince Mukiele to join the Red Devils, the defender will compete with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot, who play in the same position.
