LIVERPOOL IN HUNT FOR £60m PALHINHA

JOAO PALHINHA’S absence through suspension yesterday was a huge blow for Fulham. The Portugal midfielder has made a big impression since arriving from Sporting Lisbon last summer.

The 27-year-old’s brilliant performances, though, are a doubled-edged sword for the Cottagers. Palhinha has more than four years left on his current deal, so Fulham are under no pressure to entertain the idea of selling him. But make no mistake, the vultures are circling. Liverpool are understood to be the most serious suitor but there are others. Palhinha was signed for £20million, but sources claim that Fulham now value him closer to treble that amount.

Even at £60m, though, Palhinha would be close to half the price of Jurgen Klopp’s No 1 midfield target Jude Bellingham. Fulham are confident they can keep Palhinha for at least one more year — but interest is growing.

ONE injury could be the difference between glorious victory or gallant failure for Arsenal, and it appears those fine margins are not lost on the Gunners. Sportsmail has learned a number of Mikel Arteta’s players have sought private physio sessions away from the club’s medical umbrella to ensure their bodies are primed for the title run-in.