By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

19th Aug, 2023 | 9:25am

Sources: Liverpool pull plug on signing midfielder after 'staggering' Palhinha development

Liverpool interest in Fulham star Joao Palhinha has stalled after his recent injury, sources have told Football Insider.

Palhinha suffered a shoulder injury in a pre-season game last month and is yet to return to action for the Cottagers – missing their opening-day win over Everton last week.

It is believed Fulham’s price tag for the midfielder is also a problem, with Liverpool feeling the Londoners are trying to price them out of a move by demanding a “staggering” £90million for him.

West Ham formalised their interest in Palhinha earlier in the window but were met with strong resistance from Fulham.

Football Insider revealed on 18 July that the Cottagers have warned David Moyes’ side against another move for Palhinha after rejecting their opening £45million bid.

Chelsea, Man United and Bayern Munich have also monitored his situation after an impressive debut season in the Premier League.

Liverpool are ready to push on in their pursuit of a big-money defensive midfielder – despite tying up the signing of Wataru Endo from Stuttgart on Friday (18 August).

Palhinha scored four goals across 40 games in all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign – and recorded some of the best tackling and interception stats in the Premier League.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have lost long-serving duo Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to the Saudi Pro League this summer.

The Reds had moved for highly-rated youngsters Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, but Chelsea eventually managed to win the race for their signatures.

Liverpool face Bournemouth as Fulham take on local rivals Brentford on Saturday (19 August).

In other news, Liverpool well placed to land £30m signing – Virgil van Dijk is a “big fan”.