Liverpool will be Man Utd’s main challengers for Fulham midfielder Palhinha with bitter rivals set for £60m transfer war

LIVERPOOL have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to reports.

Last week, SunSport exclusively revealed that United were plotting a swoop for the 27-year-old Portugal ace.

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Liverpool and Man Utd are interested in signing Palhinha[/caption]

And according to The Daily Mail, Liverpool have also expressed an interest.

Palhinha joined Fulham in a £20million transfer from Sporting Lisbon last summer.

However, following a series of impressive performances at Craven Cottage, he is now valued at around £60m.

The Cottagers are confident that the midfielder will remain in West London for at least one more season, but club chiefs may be forced to cash-in if a suitable offer is made.

Chelsea, Newcastle, Arsenal and Tottenham are also interested in signing Palhinha, who has made more tackles than any other midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues this season.

Man United and Liverpool are both eager to sign a new midfielder when the summer transfer window opens.

And for Jurgen Klopp‘s Reds, Palhinha could be the perfect alternative to priority target Jude Bellingham.

The 19-year-old England star carries a £130m price tag, so Liverpool may have to set their sights on other midfield options.

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Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag is eager to bolster his Man Utd midfield and he believes Palhinha could be the perfect addition.

The Red Devils are also interested in signing 20-year-old midfielder Gabri Veiga from Celta Vigo.