Man City plot £50m swoop for Premier League star after Lucas Paqueta deal got scuppered

Exclusive: Manchester City has shifted its focus from Lucas Paqueta to a less expensive but highly regarded Premier League midfield player.

Manchester City intends to pay £50 million to get Joao Palhinha, the star player for Fulham, in January.

As the English champions want to solidify that position heading into the second half of the season, the 28-year-old Portuguese central midfielder is thought to be their best option.

With either Juventus or Bayern Munich expected to take Kalvin Phillips off City in the New Year window, Etihad boss Pep Guardiola wants to secure a superior replacement.

Chelsea was interested in Palhinha, who has a contract that expires in June 2028, but their desire has waned as Mauricio Pochettino, the coach under fire, is unwilling to add more players to that position.

Liverpool, who had also been strongly connected to the former Sporting player, is similarly affected. If Fulham manager Marco Silva is relieved by this, as he is keen to keep Palhinha, then City’s entry into the picture raises serious concerns.