Manchester United linked Joao Palhinha 'wants to leave Fulham' and other transfer rumours

Manchester United-linked midfielder Joao Palhinha has reportedly told Fulham he wants to leave the club in search of new opportunities.

The Portuguese star has only played one full 90 minutes for the Craven Cottage club in the Premier League this season due to injury but he caught the eye as he scored against Arsenal in a 2-2 draw. This led to a flurry of late interest from clubs at the back end of the summer transfer window.

United were one of the clubs thought to be interested but they eventually went down the route of signing Sofyan Amrabat on loan from Fiorentina. Palhinha ended up remaining in the capital but his time at Fulham could be coming to an end.

According to Teamtalk, the 28-year-old has made it clear to his current employers he wishes to depart. Unfortunately for United, should they want him, Palhinha has his heart set on a move to Bayern Munich.

ALSO READ: Fernandes makes United captaincy admission

Thomas Tuchel has apparently reassured the midfielder his club will come back for him in January and Palhinha is hopeful Marco Silva will allow him to leave. However, if the Reds want to seal a move for Palhinha they will have more than just competition from Bayern.

In a further report from Mundo Deportivo, they claim Barcelona are interested in the 28-year-old and have also now joined the race. It is understood Barca are looking to upgrade on Oriol Romeu in the future and Palhinha is a name on their list to do just that.

However, considering their current financial issues, the Catalan club may struggle to fork out the fee which Fulham are wanting. The report claims Bayern agreed a fee of €65m but the move only broke down as Fulham could not find a replacement so late in the window.

Follow the MEN's United