Ex-Liverpool defender Jose Enrique is hoping his former club steps up their interest in Fulham’s Joao Palhinha during the January transfer window.

The Reds have been suggested as potential suitors for the Portuguese international, along with a number of other clubs and, speaking to Grosvenor Sport, Enrique said that the midfielder would be an excellent addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad:

“Joao Palhinha has been linked with Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham. Firstly, I don’t think you can put Tottenham in that conversation in terms of pulling power alongside the likes of Liverpool and United – they’’re not the same.”

“I think Palhinha is a great player and I would love him at Liverpool. I think he is exactly the kind of player that Liverpool need in midfield.”

Enrique doesn’t expect Palhinha to be made available on the cheap next month, though, and he feels Liverpool may even have to break their transfer record to get him:

“If they try to sign him in January then I think Fulham will ask for a fee that no one is willing to pay. In the summer window, it is a different story and I think something is more likely to happen with him then. In January, Fulham will probably ask for over £100million for him and no one is going to pay that, but they will be back for him in the summer.”

Palhinha’s asking price has increased since the summer

The 28-year-old looked poised to join Bayern Munich for £60m back in September but the Bundesliga champions did not finalise the deal before the transfer deadline.

Reliable sources have since claimed that Fulham could now demand anything from £70m to £80m for Palhinha, which is not that far below Enrique’s estimated figure.

Liverpool have competition for the player

In addition to the likes of United and Tottenham who Enrique has already mentioned, journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Arsenal are keen on snapping up Palhinha too.

Other reports have also linked Manchester City with an offer for the Portuguese star next month so Liverpool will have their work cut out if they want to secure his services.

Watch a preview of Liverpool’s plans for the January transfer window on Shots!TV here