Manchester United are waiting to discover whether it will be possible to recruit Bayern Munich star Joao Palhinha on a temporary basis after it has become clear that Atalanta fan favourite Ederson is out of the Old Trafford recruitment department's reach thanks to his lofty price tag, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Red Devils have already splashed the cash since ending the 2024/25 campaign without silverware or European qualification, with Matheus Cunha completing a £62.5million switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers, leading to head coach Ruben Amorim being in danger of having limited funds to bolster his options in the middle of the park.
Alejandro Garnacho is among the names the Portuguese tactician wants to offload in an attempt to boost the budget for the remainder of the summer transfer window, but he is assessing cheaper targets as he prepares his side for a Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17.
Amorim Eyes Temporary Palhinha Agreement
Portugal international preparing to hold discussions over future
Joao Palhinha in action for Bayern Munich
Manchester United are ready to explore a loan deal for Palhinha if it becomes clear that he will be available after holding internal talks with Bayern Munich over his future, according to GMS sources, but there is also a possibility that his current employers will make a permanent departure their preference in negotiations.
Although the Portugal international has been on the reigning Bundesliga champions' books for less than 12 months, having sealed a switch worth in the region of £48million from Fulham in July, ongoing struggles to make himself one of the first names on the team sheet has resulted in Amorim sniffing an opportunity to pounce.
GMS sources have been informed that Manchester United's admiration for Palhinha dates back to his spell at Fulham and, having seen him starved of regular game time in his first season at Bayern Munich, they are eager to find out whether he will be put on the market in the coming weeks.
Joao Palhinha's statistics for Bayern Munich this season
The defensive-minded midfielder - who has been described as 'world-class' by journalist Dom Smith - would provide the likes of Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo with fresh competition for a starting berth if he embarks on a fresh challenge at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are watching on with intent as Palhinha is set to enter discussions over his future at Bayern Munich, GMS sources have learned, and the German heavyweights are contemplating whether to sanction a loan move to rediscover his best form even though there were initially indications that he could be put up for sale with a £30million valuation.
Red Devils View Palhinha as Low-Cost Option
Midfielder expected to fit into style of play if move takes place
Joao Palhinha watching on from the Bayern Munich bench
GMS sources have been told that Manchester United have earmarked Palhinha as an intriguing low-cost option as he boasts Premier League experience and would seamlessly fit into Amorim's style of play, but Bayern Munich's stance over a temporary exit will only become clearer in the coming weeks.
The 29-year-old's contract - which allows him to pocket close to £200,000-per-week when bonuses are triggered - is not due to expire until the summer of 2028, meaning the Bavarian heavyweights are not under pressure to do business with the Red Devils or any other suitors despite him being on the periphery under boss Vincent Kompany.
A loan switch could suit all parties as Palhinha is determined to still make a success of his move to Bayern Munich, GMS sources understand, while Manchester United are intending to land a midfielder of his style after accepting that they do not have the funds to recruit top target Ederson thanks to making attacking reinforcements their priority.
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But the Red Devils are in danger of facing stiff competition for the former Sporting man's services as GMS sources recently revealed that Fulham are eager to offer a route back to Craven Cottage if a deal on the right terms becomes a possibility in the remainder of the summer transfer window.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 19/06/2025
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