The powers that be at Fulham have identified out-of-favour midfielders at Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United as potential late-window additions, according to reports.
This comes, for those not aware, ahead of the imminent departure of a key member of the engine room ranks at Craven Cottage.
After Liverpool struck a deal with their counterparts at Bayern Munich for Ryan Gravenberch, the necessary space has been made in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for Joao Palhinha.
Portuguese international Palhinha, fresh off a crucial last-gasp equaliser at Arsenal last weekend, is therefore expected to seal a big-money move to the Allianz Area at any moment.
⚠️ FC Bayern has reached a total verbal agreement with João #Palhinha – as reported and confirmed again ✔️
➡️ Contract at least until 2028
➡️ Bayern is willing to pay between €50-60m at this stage!Palhinha has informed Fulham and Marco Silva that he wants to join Bayern… pic.twitter.com/s3d003UVqb
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 31, 2023
Such an exit, though, will leave a gaping hole in Marco Silva’s midfield setup in west London.
The Fulham hierarchy, as a result, have been forced to seek out potential replacements, just 24 hours out from the English transfer deadline.
First up comes Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
As per a report from the reliable Nizaar Kinsella:
‘Fulham have begun looking at replacements for Joao Palhinha including Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Talks have already begun.’
Fulham have begun looking at replacements for Joao Palhinha including Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Talks have already begun. https://t.co/Vipy3GMggZ
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) August 31, 2023
Hojbjerg, though, is not the only option in the sights of the Cottagers brass.
Also on the radar of Marco Silva and co, it is understood, is Manchester United star Scott McTominay.
As revealed by Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports:
‘Fulham make initial contact with Manchester United over Scott McTominay. Fulham looking at options if Joao Palhinha leaves. Bayern pushing. Would take substantial offer for United to even consider.’
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