Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have reportedly identified Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha as a potential future signing.
The two Premier League giants have endured a relatively disappointing first half of the season, both clubs currently sitting outside of the top four.
The North London and Merseyside teams have posted five defeats apiece, effectively ending any chance of a title bid by the turn of the year.
As a result, efforts will be made in January and beyond to strengthen their respective squads with a number of areas said to be on their priority list.
Nevertheless, in both cases, Spurs and Liverpool have each been linked with new central midfielders, particularly the latter who face a period of transition in the middle of the pitch.
© Reuters
According to transfer expert Dean Jones, the respective hierarchies have placed Palhinha on their shortlist of possible additions in the summer.
Having rejected long-standing interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers to move to Fulham, the Portugal international has established himself as the Cottagers' key man behind Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Three goals have been netted in 17 appearances, but it is the 27-year-old's combative nature and physical presence in midfield which have helped move Fulham into contention for European qualification.
Speaking to Givemesport, Jones said: "His consistency is almost unrivalled across the league for players in this position and it is understood that Liverpool and Tottenham are two of the clubs casting an eye over him at the moment.
© Reuters
"Fulham know they have an absolute gem in this 27-year-old Portuguese international and absolutely do not want to lose him."
Palhinha is just six months into a five-year contract at Craven Cottage and Fulham will not give consideration to a sale unless presented with an opportunity to make a substantial profit.
The West Londoners spent £20m to sign Palhinha from Sporting Lisbon, a fee which will now be perceived to be value for money given Palhinha's seamless transition to Premier League football.
Liverpool have been linked with a wide array of alternatives, including Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham, Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo and Atalanta BC's Teun Koopmeiners.
Meanwhile, Spurs have been credited with an interest in the likes of Barcelona's Franck Kessie and Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister.
Darren Plant
