Liverpool 'hold talks' with agent of £60m-rated midfielder

Liverpool have reportedly held talks with the agent of Fulham's Joao Palhinha

This is according to TEAMtalk, who state that the Reds and their rivals are now the two main teams in contention for the Portuguese international.

It was suggested the 28-year-old could come in as a direct replacement for Fabinho in the summer however other midfield targets were chosen.

Ryan Gravenberch's arrival on transfer deadline day from Bayern Munich then opened up a spot in Thomas Tuchel's squad and they went after £60m-rated Palhinha, but a deal fell through.

There have been suggestions since that he will depart Craven Cottage in January

Fulham would still hope to earn at least £60m from his sale only 18 months after handing Sporting CP £20m.

In last week's 4-3 thriller between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield he boasted a pass completion rate of 82 percent, made five successful tackles and four interceptions.