Joao Palhinha due for Fulham medical after legal delay
By Tom Gott
Joao Palhinha is now set to fly to Fulham for a medical ahead of a proposed €20m move to Craven Cottage after a minor legal delay was overcome.
Fulham have beaten Wolves to the signature of the 26-year-old Sporting CP midfielder, who was due in England last Monday to undergo a medical and finalise his move, only for an issue with the agents involved in the deal to slow things down.
Talks continued behind the scenes and sources have confirmed to 90min that an agreement has finally been reached to satisfy everyone involved, freeing Palhinha to travel to England and finalise his move.
Personal terms have already been agreed, with the midfielder set to sign a five-year contract following the conclusion of his medical.
Sporting have already finalised a deal for Japan international Hidemasa Morita to replace Palhinha.
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Palhinha remains on track to become Fulham's first signing of the summer and the Cottagers hope to follow his arrival up with a deal for Manchester United's Andreas Pereira, whose loan stay with Flamengo has officially come to an end.
Pereira has spoken openly of his desire to return to Flamengo but the Brazilian side have failed to agree a deal with United, allowing Fulham to sneak in and agree a fee for the 26-year-old.
Talks are now on with Pereira over personal terms and 90min understands that Fulham are confident of getting a deal done.