Manchester United set to seal deal for £25m Portuguese midfield star

Manchester United set to seal deal for £25m Portuguese midfield star

Manchester United are leading the race to sign defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha from Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, according to recent reports.

Previous deals with Lisbon have proven fruitful, as it is the same club from which United signed football legend Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003.

Also former Manchester United winger Nani was purchased from the Portuguese side.

And according to a report in the Daily Star, United may look utilise Ronaldo’s off-the-field influence to persuade his countryman to make the same switch, just like he did 19 years ago, leaving the Portuguese capital to Old Trafford.

Palhinha made his international debut last year, in 2021. However, since then, he’s become a key cog in Portugal’s side, and will no doubt be integral as they prepare to face Turkey in the last bid to qualify for the 2023 Qatar World Cup.

LISBON, PORTUGAL – MAY 19: Joao Palhinha of Sporting CP in action during the Liga NOS match between Sporting CP and CS Maritimo at Estadio Jose Alvalade on May 19, 2021 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

The 26-year-old has put in the hard work for his club and has made over 70 appearances over the last two seasons.

The deal may be financially viable too, as Sporting reportedly are holding out for £25million.

United are in need of a defensive midfielder for some time now. Although Nemanja Matic has recently proved he can operate there, at 30 age is not on his side and fresh legs are needed.

Fred, Scott McTominay, and even Paul Pogba have to be used temporarily as defensive midfielders, none showing the discipline to really define the position and help the team.

Man United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has yet to add to his squad, following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November last year.

The likes of  Yves Bissouma and Amadou Haidara have been linked to United, but the Palhinha is said to want to ply his trade in the Premier League.