Liverpool, Man Utd boost as European giants ‘turn’ to ‘dream’ £60m replacement for midfield target
Bayern Munich are reportedly looking to sign Fulham’s Joao Palhinha as a potential replacement for Liverpool and Manchester United target Ryan Gravenberch.
The Bayern Munich midfielder endured a difficult debut season in 2022/23 following his move from Ajax as he barely featured for the Bundesliga giants.
Gravenberch has been heavily linked with a move away from Bayern this summer as he has attracted interest from Liverpool and Man Utd.
Liverpool have spent over £100m to sign Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo to bolster their midfield options.
Man Utd have been busy themselves and they have signed Mason Mount from Chelsea, but they are reportedly challenging Jurgen Klopp’s side in the race to capture Gravenberch.
Bayern Munich have consistently maintained that Gravenberch is not for sale but German outlet Sport1 are reporting that they are ‘hoping’ to sign a new defensive midfielder and Fulham’s Pahlinha is described as their ‘dream and preferred target’.
The Portugal international enjoyed a superb debut season for the Cottagers in the Premier League last term as the £20m midfielder was one of the league’s breakout stars.
Sport1 indicate that Bayern Munich ‘would like’ to make a bid for Pahlinha ‘on Wednesday’ as the club’s hierarchy ‘will now try to fulfil Thomas Tuchel’s big wish for a defensive midfielder’.
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The Daily Mail meanwhile are reporting that ‘Gravenberch hopes a transfer to Liverpool or Man United will go through before Friday’s deadline and Tuchel has turned to Fulham midfielder Palhinha to replace him’. They add.
‘Bayern have turned to Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha as they look to strengthen further before the deadline. With Ryan Gravenberch hoping for a move to either Liverpool or Manchester United to go through, Thomas Tuchel wants to ensure he has enough dynamic options for his own midfield.
‘Manchester United’s Scott McTominay was one name mentioned and Bayern have also checked on Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher but a deal for Portugal international Palhinha is now being evaluated as the clock ticks down on the Bundesliga’s 5pm Friday deadline.
‘West Ham had a £45million bid rejected for the 28-year-old earlier in the window and it is understood Fulham want around £60m should they consider letting him go at this stage.
‘Fulham are working on a number of targets with Everton’s versatile midfielder Alex Iwobi one option under discussion. Liverpool are also admirers [of Pahlinha] but his age goes against their profile for big investments. Bayern see Gravenberch as an attacking midfielder where they have other top talents while Palhinha is viewed as being more versatile.’
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