According to Sacha Tavolieri, who first stated the Reds’ interest in the Portugal international towards the end of July, Palhinha is still part of the midfield options for Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
Tavolieri also reported in July that Liverpool were the club most keen on his signature, that was before the whirlwind of Lavia news began to heat up, but the Cottagers’ main man is now back in the frame for an Anfield switch.
Having signed for Fulham for just £20million last season, Marco Silva’s side would now require £60million if he was depart, meaning they would triple their money after just one campaign back in the Premier League.
The 28-year-old has made 40 appearances since moving from Sporting CP, scoring four goals in that time.
Alongside him in Liverpool’s list of targets is Crystal Palace man Cheick Doucoure.
A younger option, Doucoure is just 23 years of age and also a fairly new recruit to his side having joined the Eagles last summer.
He has made 36 appearances for Palace, registering three assists to date.
Although the Mali international has age on his side in comparison to Palhinha, the Fulham fan favourite boasts more power – an element currently lacking from the Reds’ midfield department.
Palhinha’s power
Not only is the Portuguese midfielder taller, standing at 6 ft 3 in in comparison to Doucoure at 5 ft 11 in, he won more tackles and headers than the Palace man last season alongside breaking up more attacks.
Liverpool are in a position where they need an experienced head in that holding role, a quick-fix that will hit the ground running, having lost Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Pro League sides Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad in recent weeks – Palhinha could be that man.
Only time will tell who Klopp opts for, but the German has to decide soon with just two weeks now left of the transfer window.
This deal could be an interesting one to keep an eye on.
