23 July 2023 , 23:00
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Liverpool and West Ham target Joao Palhinha has suffered an injury scare which could scupper a £50million transfer move.
The Fulham midfielder has been targeted by the Reds to succeed Saudi Arabia-bound Fabinho, and West Ham in their efforts to replace new Arsenal signing Declan Rice. Fulham are understood to be holding out for £60m for the former Sporting Libson star, but could be forced to wait after an unlucky injury during their friendly against Brentford in Philadelphia which the Cottagers won 3-2.
Palhinha landed badly on his shoulder and needed lengthy treatment from medics. He left the pitch with his left arm in a makeshift sling, apologising to fans and touching the club crest. Marco Silva's decision to stay could also influence the 28-year-old's future.
The Portuguese manager has declared himself "100 per cent" committed to Fulham after rejecting a huge £40m deal from Saudi club Al-Ahli. Silva admitted that he received the lucrative offer last week, but has remained loyal to the London club because he believes the Premier League is No.1 in the world.
Set to welcome Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City, Al-Ahli have already signed ex-Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino and former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and are also on the brink of announcing Allan Saint-Maximin's £30m arrival from Newcastle. Meanwhile, Fulham are closing in on Wolves striker Raul Jimenez for £5.5m after Silva was given backing in the market following his claim that he's got just "13-14 senior players."
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But despite being lured with a £20m-a-year deal, Silva will continue at Fulham. He said: “My commitment to this club has been 100 per cent since the first day I signed, and it will continue this way. Offers are part of the business. I’ve had two great years at Fulham.
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“It’s up to us to respect the club where we are working, which is what I’ve always done in my career. I made a decision, spoke to the club and, like before, I am fully committed to the club.”
Silva could lose leading scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, who wants out to Al-Ahli for £40m. The Cottagers boss added: “Some rumours have not come out. It is not in my control as a manager. I have spoken with Mitro and I am here to give my best for my players and protect them and sometimes they have individual decisions to deal with.
“I would like to have more than Mitro. I have more on my mind than one player linked. We lost seven players from last season. Lucky the main ones are still here. We have to prepare a Premier League season and we didn’t sign at least one to make the fans happy with the situation.”