Manchester United have been given green light to sign Casemiro alternative but there's a catch

Manchester United may have just been given the go-ahead to try and sign one of the best players currently plying his trade outside of the Premier League's traditional top six.

With Casemiro's form taking a nose-dive from the heights of last season even before he was ruled out through injury at the beginning of November and Sofyan Amrabat yet to convince he has the required quality to cut it at United, a new defensive midfielder must be near the top of Erik ten Hag's shopping list heading into the January sales. Kobbie Mainoo's emergence has negated the need for a fresh face in the role somewhat, but with the academy graduate still learning on the job a more experienced head would be beneficial for United.

And a defensive midfielder who has regularly been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent years may just have become more attainable.

READ MORE: United youngster set for new contract after impressing Ten Hag

READ MORE: Garnacho is doing what Ronaldo didn't do at United

Fulham's Joao Palhinha has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water following his £20million move from Sporting Lisbon in 2022. Regularly impressing in Marco Silva's midfield, the Portuguese destroyer's form saw him almost join Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich on transfer deadline day only for the move to fall through.

The move was contingent on Fulham signing a replacement for Palhinha, but with the clock ticking the Londoners just ran out of time. Reports suggest Palhinha had even already travelled to Germany for his medical after a fee was agreed with Bayern - meaning the midfielder could be available once again in the January transfer window should a similar bid be made.

And, speaking ahead of Fulham’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday,