Fulham will set an ambitious £60million asking price for Manchester United transfer target Joao Palhinha.
Strengthening in midfield will represent a priority for Erik ten Hag this summer, despite having already invested significantly in that department last summer.
While the likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have proved shrewd additions, United have struggled when one or both have been unavailable this season.
Palhinha, meanwhile, has made a huge impact at Craven Cottage since his £20m arrival from Sporting Lisbon and has already attracted a long list of suitors.
Though they are reluctant to sell, according to The Sun, Fulham have already identified a potential replacement in Porto’s Mateus Uribe.
Lazio and Atletico Madrid are set to provide competition for the 32-year-old’s services but Fulham are hopeful the lure of Premier League football will prove decisive.
United, meanwhile, still have to make a decision on whether to make Marcel Sabitzer’s loan from Bayern Munich a permanent deal in the summer.
The experienced Austria international enhanced his burgeoning reputation with two goals in United’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla last night.
Speaking about his future earlier this week, Sabitzer said: ‘United made it clear that it was a project until the summer. Then we’ll see. Until then, I want to give everything here.
‘It’s a loan deal without an option. In the summer, the situation will be evaluated.
‘But I can say that I found my place here. Now I know the Premier League and can say there’s nothing better, more intense and tougher.
‘Every game is a fight. It’s the best league in the world. When you play once here you know it’s incomparable.
‘Of course my thoughts are on United, especially with the trust I get from Erik ten Hag – it’s very positive. But I’m not the only one who decides.’
MORE : Sevilla boss takes swipe at ‘scared’ Manchester United after Europa League collapse
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