Liverpool transfer target Joao Palhinha suffers injury blow after £45m bid rejected
Liverpool-linked midfielder Joao Palhinha suffered a potentially serious shoulder injury during Fulham's pre-season victory over Brentford in the United States.
The 28-year-old has been one of a number of names linked with a move to Anfield this summer with both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho close to completing transfers to the Saudi Pro League. Palhinha has been named as a potential target alongside Southampton's Romeo Lavia, Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat and Crystal Palace's Cheick Doucoure.
However, on Sunday evening, his chances of securing a move away from Fulham this summer were dealt a huge blow after he sustained a "painful-looking shoulder injury", as described by the London Evening Standard. The Portugal international, who was named the club's player of the uear in his first season at Craven Cottage, left the field midway through the first half with his arm being supported by a make-shift sling.
Earlier this month, the Cottagers rejected a £45m bid from West Ham United for Palhinha, who they signed from Sporting CP for just £20m last summer. Reports in the Daily Mail claimed the Londoners were seeking a fee in the region of £60m for the defensive midfielder.
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Speaking after the game, which was part of the Premier League's Summer Series event across the Atlantic, Fulham boss Marco Silva said: "Unfortunately it doesn't look good. He’s probably dislocated his shoulder. Tomorrow he is going to do a scan and it will be more clear. Let's hope it's not another long-term injury for us.”
Meanwhile, Henderson is expected to have his transfer to Saudi Pro League
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