Manchester City 'join Liverpool and Bayern Munich' in the race to sign Fulham star Palhinha... with Kalvin Phillips set for Etihad exit in January

Manchester City have joined the race to sign Fulham midfielder Palhinha in January, according to reports. 

The 28-year-old has again been one of the standout performers for Marco Silva's men this season despite his failed move away from the club last summer. 

The midfielder was set to complete a move to German champions Bayern Munich and had flown to complete his medical, but the transfer fell through on deadline day due after the Cottagers were unable to find a replacement.

Palhinha, who is also said to be admired by Liverpool, has continued to to be linked with a move away from west London and City are the latest club to join the race to sign him.

As reported by The Sun, Pep Guardiola is an admirer of the £60million rated Palhinha and believes he would be the 'perfect' addition to his midfield.   

Speaking last month, the Portugal international admitted his failed move to Bayern Munich 'really affected' him. 

'I don’t know what will happen in the future.' Palhinha told O Jogo. 'Obviously, it’s really affected me and my family, but that’s all in the past, I don’t want to think about it too much.

'It’s a great source of pride, you know what happened. In my life everything that has happened has been for a reason, I like to think of it like that.'

Palhinha has continued to shine this season and has contributed with two goals and one assist in 16 matches across all competitions.   

The signing of Palhinha would pave way for Kalvin Phillips, who has struggled for minutes this term, to leave City next month. 

The England international has played just 89 minutes in the Premier League this season and has been overlooked by Guardiola on a number of occasions. 

Serie A giants Juventus are believed to be admirers of Phillips and keen to take him on loan for the rest of the season.