Man Utd transfer problem could be solved by Bruno Fernandes text as target seeks move

Manchester United target Joao Palhinha wants to leave Sporting Lisbon, according to reports.

The defensive midfielder, 26, inspired Sporting to the Portuguese title last season and is also an established international, winning 12 senior caps to date.

Palhinha is friends with current Red Devils ace Bruno Fernandes and the two have remained in contact since the latter left Sporting for United in January 2020.

"Bruno is more 'tearing' than praising," joked Palhinha in November 2020. "Even if I score a hat-trick, he asks if I misplaced paces.

"It is demanding in a good way. From what they tell me, he always wants to know everything about Sporting."

According to Portuguese outlet Record, Sporting will allow Palhinha to leave the club if a potential suitor offers £25million.

Fellow Premier League sides Tottenham and Wolves - as well as Spanish giants outfits Sevilla and Atletico Madrid - are also thought to be interested in signing the player.

United, however, may be keen to win the transfer race and solve one of their biggest problems - their weak midfield.

Many believe current central midfielders Fred, Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic and Donny van de Beek are not good enough to play for the Red Devils.

World Cup winner Paul Pogba, meanwhile, is out of contract at the end of the season and expected to leave Old Trafford.

"United have a relegation standard midfield at this moment in time," said club legend Paul Parker earlier this month. "It's a poor midfield and everybody knows it."

Palhinha could be an affordable solution to United's glaring issue and the Portuguese ace has previously stated his desire to play in the Premier League.

"Given my characteristics and the recognition I give to all European leagues, the