Man Utd plot to hijack £60m midfielder raid as Fulham 'favourites' to sign Bundesliga star

We begin Wednesday’s Premier League transfer rumour roundup with news of a possible Manchester United swoop for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha. The Portugal international is in demand this summer, with Bayern Munich reportedly rekindling their interest in a player who they almost signed in January.

But despite interest from the German giants, Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has claimed that the Red Devils could make a late attempt to hijack any prospective deal. Writing on social media, the journalist said: ‘Fulham value Joao Palhinha at double £30m bid they have rejected from Bayern Munich. Barcelona and Man United also interested but Barcelona have financial issues and there’s uncertainty surrounding managerial situation at United. No release clause in Palhinha’s contract.’

The 3AM Verdict: It does feel as if Bayern will be Palhinha’s most likely destination this summer, but if United could somehow hijack their deal for the midfielder, then they would be securing a real coup. Palhinha has been one of the standout performers of Fulham’s recent Premier League run, and it feels like a matter of time before he ends up at a club with continental ambitions.

Fulham want Silas

Elsewhere, in more Fulham-adjacent news, HITC report that the Cottagers are favourites to sign £15 million-rated VfB Stuttgart forward Silas Katompa Mvumpa, known simply as Silas, this summer. The Bundesliga star is said to be keen on the prospect of a move to the Premier League in the coming weeks.

Fulham previously had a bid rejected for the Congolese star during the January transfer window, but it is understood that they are readying themselves to rekindle their interest, and that the player himself is open to entertaining the idea of joining the West London outfit. Silas is capable of playing out on the right flank, or through the centre.

The 3AM Verdict: This could be a good move for Fulham. Despite not being a regular starter for Stuttgart, Silas has still chipped in with plenty of goals and assists during his time in Germany, and is known for his ball-carrying abilities and his electric pace. A very exciting potential signing for the Cottagers.

West Ham plot Larsen raid

And finally, West Ham have reportedly identified Celta Vigo striker Jørgen Strand Larsen as a target, according to claims from Spain. The Norwegian registered 13 goals and three assists across 37 La Liga outings last term, and has supposedly caught the eye of the Hammers ahead of the summer transfer window.

Speaking to Radio Galega’s Ao Contraataque, as relayed by Moiceleste.com, Spanish journalist Víctor López outlined West Ham’s keenness on the 24-year-old, who is currently under contract until 2028. That deal does, however, include a release clause of around £42 million, although Celta Vigo could be convinced to sell for around £25 million.

The 3AM Verdict: Larsen is a player of some quality who already has 14 senior Norway caps to his name. For £25 million or so, West Ham will be seeking assurances that the 24-year-old can produce the goods in the Premier League on a regular basis, and with a return of 13 strikes in 37 La Liga outings last season, there is no reason to believe that he couldn’t step up to the plate.