There is a growing chance that Manchester United could be signing a new midfirkder in the summer. This has always been talked about especially because of the uncertainty that circles the future of Paul Pogba at Old Trafford. The France international star has always been linked with an exit from Old Trafford and it looks as though the club want to prepare for life after him just in case he ends up leaving.

The Old Trafford outfit have, according to several reports, sent scouts to watch Sporting CP star Joao Palhinha as they look to reinforce their midfield department in the summer. According to the print edition of Portuguese publication Jornal de Noticias, as relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester United had a scout present for Sporting CP’s clash against FC Porto as they monitor midfielder Joao Palhinha.

The 26-year-old has been with Sporting since 2013 when he joined from boyhood club Sacavenense. Palhinha had loan spells away at Moreirense, Belenenses and SC Braga (two seasons), following which he became a regular at Sporting since the summer of 2020. The midfielder played a role in the Lions’ league title triumph last season and has built upon his performances this term.

Palhinha has made 86 appearances for Ruben Amorim’s side, scoring seven goals. The defensive midfielder also has 12 caps for the Portuguese national team and has netted twice for A Selecao.

Palhinha’s rise to stardom in the last couple of years has not gone unnoticed. Tottenham Hotspur were credited with an interest in the Portuguese midfielder in the previous summer window, while there have been rumours of interest from Real Madrid as well. Now, Manchester United have emerged as a prospective suitor for the 26-year-old midfielder. United fans have urged their club to go ahead and sign him in the summer.