By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

12th Apr, 2023 | 3:00pm

Sources: Liverpool now in hunt to sign Joao Palhinha as close ties with agent revealed

Liverpool have sent scouts to watch Fulham star Joao Palhinha on multiple occasions, sources have told Football Insider.

The Reds are believed to have a strong relationship with the Jorge Mendes-owned Gestifute agency, which represents the midfielder, as they plot a summer move.

The 26-year-old joined Fulham last summer (2022) for a reported fee of £17million and put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

This season the Portugal international has made 31 appearances across all competitions for the Cottagers and has scored four goals in those outings.

The Merseysiders are looking to bring in multiple midfielders this summer as part of a massive overhaul of the current squad.

Jurgen Klopp’s side had been closing in on a deal for Borussia Dortmund midfielder and England star Jude Bellingham.

The Reds were hopeful the addition of the 19-year-old would be able to transform a side that have struggled this season.

But Liverpool have now ruled out a move for the superstar given the potential cost of the deal and have turned their attention to other targets.

Chelsea’s Mason Mount is believed to be high up on the list of potential midfield additions this summer.

Last week (7 April), Football Insider revealed that Liverpool are still pushing to sign Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes despite the club removing his release clause.

Klopp’s side attempted to sign the midfielder last summer before they were beaten to it by Wolves and Nunes put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Molineux.

In other news, Brighton set to be ‘blown out of the water’ by Liverpool offer.