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Paul Ince tells Man Utd to ‘hijack’ Bayern move for £90m star | Football

Fulham star Joao Palhinha

Manchester United should launch a bid for Joao Palhinha, says Paul Ince (Image: Getty)

urged Paul Ince Manchester United will ‘hijack’ Bayern Munich’s move for Fulham star Joao Palhinha and believe the midfielder could be the ideal long-term replacement for Casemiro.

Palhinha appeared on the verge of a move to Bayern 12 months ago before the £55million transfer deal collapsed in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old will go on to sign a contract extension with Fulham, tying him to Craven Cottage until 2028, but rumors are swirling again that he could be set for a big-money move to the Allianz Arena.

Fulham are prepared to let Palhinha leave but would demand a £90m fee for the Portugal international from potential suitors.

However, Fulham are understood to have rejected Bayern’s two opening bids for Palhinha and the likes of United and Barcelona are watching the situation closely, ready to pounce.

Legendary former United and England midfielder Ince is an avid admirer of Palhinha and believes the former Sporting man could be the missing piece in Erik ten Hag’s midfield puzzle.

“Joao Palhinha could replace Casemiro next season, no doubt,” Ince told Bet365 as he assessed United’s transfer targets for the summer.

Paul Ince

Former United midfielder Ince is a big fan of Palhinha (Image: Getty)

“Obviously he was going to go to Bayern Munich last summer, which fell through on deadline day, but we know Fulham are prepared to sell Bayern now back for him.

“But I think if you look at the way he plays, I think he’s perfect for Manchester United. He walks around the park, he can pass, he can tackle, he’s strong.

“He has a good size about him.” He has everything you need to be successful at Manchester United and I hope they pull off a move.

Fulham have reportedly paid a £90m price tag for the Portuguese midfielder (Image: Getty)

Ince is, however, unsure which players could play alongside Palhinha in United’s engine room, with the Ten Hag’s midfield disjointed and found missing large parts of last season.

“The only question is about the players you have put together. That’s always the hardest thing because I think to be a good player, you have to play with good players,’ added the former England captain.

“All the players have to be aligned in what the goal is for that season. I don’t think that was the case with Manchester United.

“But I think he’s definitely the type of player Manchester United should be looking at.”

United have been credited with an interest in Everton and England defender Branthwaite (Image: Getty)

Another player linked with United this summer is Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite, who enjoyed an eye-catching season at the heart of Sean Dyche’s defense last season.

Branthwaite was rewarded with his first senior England call-up in March but he missed out on the Three Lions’ final 26-man party for Euro 2024 as Gareth Southgate reduced his squad for the tournament.

Ince has been impressed by Branthwaite, although he believes the Red Devils could be wise to pursue a move for a more experienced player at the back.

“Jarrad Branthwaite has had a consistent season in a team that fought relegation at Everton and we are talking about a player who has come from Carlisle,” he added.

“He has made great strides in such a short space of time so I think a move to Manchester United is a possibility, the problem is that United have signed players in the past who have had a good season.

“It’s not that easy and he has a lot to learn, but he has a lot of pace, I like the way he plays, he’s aggressive and yes, he’s another potential signing.

“People didn’t agree with (Gareth) Southgate because he didn’t put him in the team and I don’t think he’s ready for that yet, but if you want to rebuild like they are at Manchester United, he’s someone to look at. .

Having said that, what people don’t understand is that it’s hard to play for Manchester United. Mentally tough. You don’t understand what it takes to be a Manchester United player.

“Some players have been there who are not bad players, who simply cannot cope with the atmosphere and environment of playing for Manchester United and what the fans expect week in and week out.”

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