Newcastle United is said to be competing with clubs from the Premier League’s “big six” for Fulham defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer.
Newcastle has been linked with moves for Lille’s Carlos Baleba and Chelsea’s Mason Mount, indicating a desire to sign a new midfielder in the summer.
They decided to let Jonjo Shelvey leave for Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window, while Matt Ritchie and Matty Longstaff are currently being allowed to run down their contracts, which means space will open up in Eddie Howe’s squad for a midfielder to come in.
The Magpies are just one of several clubs monitoring Palhinha’s situation ahead of a possible summer move, according to The Sun.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur are all interested in signing him, whose market value has risen to more than £40 million since Fulham paid £17 million for him last summer.
If the Tynesiders want to advance in their long-term project, signing a player of Palhinha’s caliber is a no-brainer.
According to journalist Josh Bunting, the six-foot-three-colossus has been a standout midfielder not only in the Premier League, but also in Europe, ranking in the top 10% for tackles, clearances, and aerials won per game.
At 27 years of age, the Toon would be signing a player in his prime, and with the top-flight experience already under his belt, this seems like a very smart signing to make.
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