Manchester United scouts watch midfielder eight times ahead of summer transfer window

According to media outlet Record via The Sun, Manchester United are interested in Sporting Lisbon star Joao Palhinha and have sent scouts to watch him eight times already this season.

Further details of the report claim the Red Devils have been intensely scrutinizing Palhinha’s performances during this campaign ahead of a potential summer bid for the 26-year-old.

Manchester United have sent scouts to watch the player on eight occasions to make sure the defensive midfielder is the right fit for the club. The player was a club target last summer, but a deal failed to materialise after the club chiefs baulked at Sporting Lisbon’s £33million asking price.

It is believed the club has renewed interest in the player after Sporting apparently lowered his asking price to £25m. However, we face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham, Newcastle United and Wolves who are also keen on signing Palhinha.

The player is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League, but Sporting manager Ruben Amorim is eager for Palhinha to stay put but he’s resigned to the fact that the midfielder may leave the club.

Manchester United reportedly hold the edge in the race to sign the player as we already have two of his compatriots Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo who both moved to Old Trafford from Sporting.