Newcastle United in the race to sign Sporting Lisbon star Joao Palhinha
By Tushar Bahl
Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha, who could be available for around 25 million euros.
Transfer speculation is already in full swing ahead of the summer window, and Newcastle United are being linked with a host of players. The Magpies will be looking to bolster their squad in the summer, and one player who could be a massive reinforcement to their midfield is Joao Palhinha.
According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Newcastle United are among the teams interested in signing Joao Palhinha. The Sporting Lisbon star is enjoying an impressive season in the Portuguese league, and also helped his side finish ahead of Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
The newspaper claims that Palhinha has a release clause of 60 million euros in his contract, but Sporting Lisbon are prepared to part ways with him for a fee of 25 million euros.
However, Newcastle United aren’t the only club interested in signing the Portuguese international. They face competition from the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers and also Atletico Madrid.
Palhinha has been one of Sporting Lisbon’s top performers over the last couple of years. And he also did a fine job for Portugal during the European Championships last summer. The 26 year old defensive midfielder has made 30 appearances for his club so far this season, and has three goals to his name.
Palhinha would certainly be an exciting addition to the Newcastle United midfield next season. If signed, he could form an exciting partnership in the middle of the park with January signing Bruno Guimarães.