Manchester United are targeting Joao Palhinha in the summer transfer window to bolster their midfield problems.
With reports of cliques emerging in the dressing room, it would suggest that the club are not too concerned as the Portuguese-speaking members of the squad group together.
Cristiano Ronaldo naturally has been tipped as its leader, along with the likes of Diogo Dalot, Fred and Bruno Fernandes.
United’s form has been desperately inconsistent in recent months under Ralf Rangnick’s watch.
With a spot in the Champions League up for grabs, it means that any dropped points could be detrimental with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham and Wolves all in the race.
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And while player power has often been denounced, it could end up benefitting United with Palhinha being reportedly swayed by Ronaldo and Fernandes ahead of a prospective summer transfer.
According to Jornal de Noticias, via Sport Witness, the Red Devils have sent scouts to individually watch the Sporting Lisbon star in action.
The midfielder has been on United’s radar for some time and it appears that they are ramping up their efforts to monitor the player.
Palhinha is a close pal of Ronaldo’s due to their time together with Portugal, as well as Dalot and Fernandes, furthering the notion that the club are not too worried about cliques emerging.
In fact, the playmaker has reportedly been texting his old teammate from Sporting with the two in cahoots, furthering talk that a transfer is on the cards this summer.
The 26-year-old has previously stated that he and Ronaldo are also good friends after being introduced to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner on international duty.
"Cristiano always put me at ease. I was used to seeing him on television since I was little, but the fact of being in front of him made my first call even more real," the United target explained.
"Being in the national team with him is a great source of pride for any player."
It is no surprise to see a defensive midfielder being eyed while West Ham ace Declan Rice and Marseille star Boubacar Kamara are also on the club’s radar.
United have looked suspect on the counter with the likes of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane being exposed at the back.
Before coming back to beat Leeds United 4-2 at the weekend, it was alarming how quickly the Red Devils relinquished a two-goal lead while a real midfield enforcer would help plug those gaps.
