Man City join £60m Joao Palhinha transfer battle with Liverpool and Bayern as Kalvin Phillips heads towards exit

PEP GUARDIOLA is ready to join the battle of the big guns to sign up £60million-rated Fulham kingpin Joao Palhinha.

Bayern Munich and Liverpool are both keen on the Portuguese holding midfielder, who is having a stellar season.

Manchester City joined the bidding war for Fulham star Joao PalhinhaRex

Man City star Kalvin Phillips could be on his way out of the EtihadGetty

Man City boss Pep Guardiola has joined the bidding war against Liverpool and Bayern MunichRex

But Guardiola is also an admirer and thinks Palhinha, 28, would be a perfect addition to his all-star Manchester City cast.

And if he turns his interest into a successful bid in January, that could see Kalvin Phillips heading for the exit.

Juventus are keen to take him on loan for the rest of the season, while ironically Fulham were knocked back after showing interest last summer.

Phillips was determined to stay and fight for his place at the Etihad but is equally aware that he needs more action to protect his England chances for next year’s Euros.

That could signal a renewed bid by Fulham.

Guardiola has also considered Fluminense’s £30m-rated star Andre.

He will get a first-hand look at the Brazilian, 22, at the Club World Championship in Saudi Arabia this week.

Palhinha joined Fulham last year following a £20million deal with Sporting Lisbon.

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Since his arrival, the Portugal international has amassed a total of six goals and one assist in 56 appearances.

The 28-year-old continues to stand out this season with two goals and one assist in 16 appearances across all competitions.

The Portuguese ace looks open for a new challenge having almost joined Bayern on transfer deadline day last summer by flying to Germany and even undergoing a medical.

However, time ran out as Fulham refused to sell having not been able to find a suitable replacement.