Manchester United were 'priced out' of Joao Palhinha deal and more transfer rumours
04.09.2023 - 19:57
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United were initially interested in Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha before eventually landing Sofyan Amrabat, according to reports.
Midfield reinforcements were a major priority at United, with Erik ten Hag keen to strengthen that area of his squad. Mason Mount arrived from Chelsea at the start of the summer, but a more defensive option was also wanted as competition and cover for Casemiro.
Palhinha had attracted interest from Europe's top clubs after an excellent debut campaign with Fulham. And according to Football Insider, he was United's 'number one' target in defensive midfield but the Reds were unwilling to meet the Cottagers' £90m valuation.
They instead made a late move for Amrabat, who joined on a season-long loan. Palhinha looked set to join Bayern Munich on deadline day, but the transfer fell through and he will now stay at Craven Cottage.
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Elsewhere, Spanish outlet El Nacional (via Football365) reports that Federico Valverde is already regretting his decision to stay at Real Madrid amid reported interest from United.
Reports in Spain over the summer suggested United were weighing up a move for Valverde, who had caught the eye of Ten Hag and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Neither pushed forward with a move having been given no indication that an approach would be successful.
The Uruguayan opted to remain in the Spanish capital but has already realised he will not be a guaranteed starter, with Jude Bellingham asserting himself as the key man in midfield. The report suggests he could look for more regular football elsewhere, potentially opening the door to a move in January or next summer.