Liverpool have already tried to sign £43m PL midfielder this summer, his club just won’t sell

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Liverpool had an attempt to buy Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha knocked back earlier this summer.

The Reds have been linked with a move for Palhinha as they try to bolster their midfield for next season. And according to Spanish outlet Sport, Liverpool have already tried – and failed – with a bid to bring the Portugal international to Anfield.

They’re not the only ones to have had a go, though. Sport claim that Premier League rivals Manchester United have also made an unsuccessful approach for Palhinha. Fulham reportedly simply won’t sell to an English domestic rival. Bayern Munich are said to have been interested too, but are no longer prioritising the 27-year-old.

Finally, Barcelona are claimed to be looking at Palhinha as a replacement for Sergio Busquets. Along with reported Liverpool targets Sofyan Amrabat and Florentino Luis, the Fulham man is said to be an alternative for the more expensive Martin Zubimendi, of Real Sociedad.

Palhinha still won’t come cheap, though. The Cottagers are claimed to be valuing him at around £43m. However, there is reportedly ‘a lot of room’ for negotiation with Barca.

Liverpool try their luck with Palhinha

Palhinha isn’t the most glamorous midfielder to have been linked with Liverpool this summer, but he’d no doubt do well at Anfield.

Strong, energetic and even a goal threat, the Portuguese has shown all the qualities needed in a top defensive midfielder. His displays deservedly earned praise from Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.

As Klopp ponders what do with a problem like Fabinho, Palhinha could have been a ready-made fit.

Having had such a superb season though, it was always going to be difficult to get him out of Fulham. The West Londoners grabbed themselves a steal last summer and clearly have no intention of letting Palhinha go without a fight.

With Liverpool prioritising quick, relatively easy deals this summer, they surely won’t come back in for him now.

That could leave the door open for Barcelona, who badly need a heir to Busquets. It’s a huge compliment to Palhinha to be mentioned in those terms, but he looks capable of delivering. Quite where the Catalans are pulling the Fulham man’s asking-price from though, remains to be seen.

Either way, we think that unless anything drastic happens now, Liverpool are no longer in this race.