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Manchester United are edging closer to finding out whether they’ll have a shot at signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer.
Ahead of the past January transfer window, The Peoples Person relayed an update stating that Man United entered the race to sign Palhinha, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich also expressing interest in the Portuguese rising star.
Palhinha proved to be a capable central midfielder for Fulham last season, also exhibiting the desired qualities of a defensive midfielder.
Making a massive 4.6 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, and 5.9 ball recoveries per game, Palhinha proved that he has the physicality to provide ample support to his defence. He won an impressive 61% of his total duels, which includes 62% of his ground duels.
The Portuguese midfielder also exhibited his quality on the ball, completing 83% of his attempted passes along with 89% in his own half. (Statistics via Sofascore)
It appears as if Bayern in particular paid especially close attention to Palhinha’s progress, deciding to intensify their efforts to sign him during the upcoming transfer window after last summer’s failed attempt.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the Bundesliga giants made contact with the player in an effort to lure him to the club this summer.
With new Bayern manager Vincent Kompany speaking personally with Palhinha, it was added that the player himself was not in need of much convincing to express his enthusiasm about a potential deal.
Still, even as it appeared as if Bayern beat United to the punch, their pursuit of the Fulham star did not go as smoothly as anticipated.
Last week, The Peoples Person relayed the news that Fulham rejected Bayern’s initial €42 million offer for Palhinha.
Now, it appears as if the Bavarian club will have one last roll of the dice before setting their sights elsewhere.
Sky Sports Germany report that Bayern have prepared one final offer for Palhinha to the value of €45 to €46 million.
“That’s it, there’s nothing more coming. Bayern have no plans to add anything more,” reporter Florian Plettenberg confirmed.
With Bayern appearing to have run out of patience in their pursuit of Palhinha, United may be in with a stronger chance than ever to scoop up the player should they submit a higher offer that Fulham deems acceptable.
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