Agent of £60m rated star in talks with Chelsea for the signing of Pochettino's January target

Joao Palhinha’s representatives have sounded out Chelsea over a potential deal for the Fulham midfielder.

They claim that Joao Palhinha’s agents have already spoken to Chelsea as they try to secure their client a big move in January after his failed transfer to Bayern Munich in the summer.

Another report from the same outlet claims that Fulham want around £60m for the 28-year-old, which is the fee that they had agreed with Bayern before things collapsed on deadline day.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea actually have an interest in Palhinha, but speculation suggests that Mauricio Pochettino will try to sign a new midfielder next month .

If Pochettino feels that he really needs another midfielder, then yes. Palhinha has proven to be one of the very best in the Premier League since arriving there last summer.

As per FBref, the Portugal international made 147 tackles in the top flight last season, more than any other player.

That is really impressive, especially considering the fact that it was his first Premier League campaign.

Honestly, for any team looking for a new midfielder in January, Palhinha seems like a bit of a no-brainer. £60m in this crazy market is not an outrageous fee either.

From Chelsea’s perspective, the only problem is he does not really fit their transfer strategy. The club have been targeting young players of late.

The above is one reason why they have probably struggled so much recently. Palhinha’s experience is what Pochettino’s squad is currently lacking.

The former Sporting Lisbon man is not going to fix everything and when all of Chelsea’s midfielders are fit, Pochettino does actually have options. Nevertheless, he could still be an opportunity worth exploring next month.