Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal set to battle it out for £17m player, with SIX Premier League clubs interested

Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are among six clubs interested in signing a highly-rated midfielder this summer.

The Red Devils are already planning for future transfer windows and want to add to their midfield this summer by signing a Premier League talent.

However, they face competition from rivals Liverpool and Arsenal as well as three other English clubs for his signature.

Joao Palinha joined West London club Fulham from Sporting Lisbon last year for £17m but his impressive performance this season have seen his value rocket.

According to The Sun, United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham, all want to sign the Portuguese player but his boss Marco Silva is determined to resist any bids.

He's been a key part of Fulham's success this term as they continue to push to qualify for Europe in their first season back in the top flight.

He will cost a lot

It's not surprising that six big clubs are all interested in prizing Paulinha away from Fulham. At 27 years old he's in his prime and will only get better over the next few seasons.

With the majority of the clubs interested locked in a battle to finish in the top four the outcome of this campaign will go a long way in influencing where Paulinha could move to.

If a club playing Champions League football shows interest in him then he might be convinced to leave but if Fulham qualify for Europe themselves then he could stay.

Either way, The Cottagers won't give up easily and would demand a fee in excess of £40m for his services given he's contracted until at least 2027.

He may not be the first choice for many clubs but he's definitely a serious option and if he continues to perform between now and the end of the season clubs are going to show even more interest.