Newcastle join Manchester United in race for Joao Palhinha and more transfer rumours

Manchester United will reportedly have company in the race to sign Joao Palhinha, with Newcastle also said to be eyeing up the midfielder.

Palhinha has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as United look set to make midfield a priority during the summer transfer window.

The Portuguese star has been tipped to move to Premier League for some time, having also been linked with Tottenham last year, and he looks to be edging nearer the exit door at Sporting Lisbon.

Sporting could reportedly look to cash in this summer for a fee of around €30million (£25m), despite his release clause being €60million (£50m), with a move to the Premier League looking the most likely option.

According to Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness), United recently sent scouts to watch Palhinha against Porto, although it didn’t quite go to plan as the 26-year-old began on the bench before being sent off later in the game.

And the report suggests United weren’t the only side with scouts in attendance, with Newcastle also said to have had representatives at the same game.

The Magpies are said to have been keeping tabs on the midfielder as they eye up further additions in the summer following their Saudi takeover.

Elsewhere, United are reportedly still waiting for Flamengo to sign off on Andreas Pereira’s permanent move to the Brazilian club.

The midfielder has been out on loan in his home country, although he looks to be closing in on a permanent exit from Old Trafford.

Flamengo officials met with United recently to discuss turning the loan into a permanent deal and were thought to have agreed a transfer fee, having had the buying option lowered.

United are understood to have signed their end of the deal but, according to journalist Mauro Cezar