Fulham are ready to rebuff interest from Brazilian outfit Palmeiras in midfielder Andreas Pereira during the January transfer window, according to the Evening Standard.
Since moving to Craven Cottage from Manchester United in the summer of 2022, the 27-year-old has established himself as a first-team regular.
Pereira has featured in all but two of his side’s league matches this term, one of which was due to suspension for receiving five yellow cards.
Palmeiras, one of Brazil’s most successful clubs, are reportedly eager to bring Pereira back to his homeland ahead of the start of the new Brasileiro season.
Having relinquished their domestic crown to Botafogo last time out, Palmeiras are seeking to bolster their squad and view Pereira as a marquee addition as they prepare to bid farewell to Chelsea-bound teenage sensation Willian Estevao.
Pereira’s ties to Brazil and his past success with Flamengo, where he spent a season on loan in 2021, make him an attractive target for Palmeiras.
However, Abel Ferreira’s side face a significant challenge in convincing Fulham to part ways with a key player midway through the season as they continue their push for European football.
After a couple of seasons shuffling between the Championship and the Premier League, Fulham have undoubtedly found their feet in the top flight and are now seeking to take the next step with continental qualification in sight.
Unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 league games, Marco Silva’s men are eighth in the Premier League table with 29 points from 19 outings, just three points shy of fifth-place Newcastle United.
The West Londoners will now set out to make a winning start to 2025 when they play host to Ipswich Town on Sunday, four days before entertaining the challenge of lower league side Watford in the FA Cup third round.
