Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan has been discussing the future of inspirational Portuguese international João Palhinha, as speculation again mounts over a big move for the midfielder at the end of the season.
Palhinha has been in tremendous form again for Marco Silva’s side in the Premier League this term, having been denied an expected move to Bayern Munich at the close of last summer’s transfer window.
The former Sporting man was in Munich at the end of the deadline in September, even undergoing a medical and preparing for his presentation in the Bayern colours. However, with Fulham failing to find a replacement before the end of the window, the deal collapsed and Palhinha headed back to London.
The Cottagers made the gesture of a new contract, which Palhinha signed just weeks after the failed Bayern move, but rumours are growing of new interest in the Portugal man from bigger clubs. As well as Bayern, there have been reports that Premier League heavyweights Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea could join the race.
Speaking to TalkSport, Tony Khan – son of Fulham owner Shahid Khan – told the radio station: “João Palhinha is a phenomenal player and I think his adaptation to the Premier League has shown that he is an incredible player. He is a big part of the Fulham core and we love having him here.
“I would like him to be part of the team for as long as possible and we were very happy to renew our contract [in September], but if an offer came up that made sense for everyone, I think it's something you should consider with all the players on the team at the right time.
“We wanted to keep him and we have kept him, he is with us and there is a lot of demand for Palhinha. He was a great signing.
"I love working with Marco Silva and he is someone with whom I work very closely on transfers and building the squad. I talk to him regularly about these things, we made a great signing with João [Palhinha] and now there is a huge market, the eyes were opened.
“We love having him and I want João to stay with us as long as possible. But it's part of the business, when you sign a player, you know he can increase his value and that could mean people will come looking.”
By @SeanGillen9
