Sporting prepared to sell Palhinha and Acuna to fund the strengthening of squad

Sporting are expected to see Joao Palhinha depart the club this summer, while the vesatile Marcus Acuna is another high-profile player that is available for transfer.

Despite a stellar campaign on loan at SC Braga for the entirety of the 2019-20 season, Palhinha is understood to not be part of Sporting’s plans for the upcoming campaign.

Instead, Palhinha is expected to be sold in order to generate funds that will enable Ruben Amorim’s side to have more financial power in the market to strengthen their squad as they look to mount a more successful title challenge next season.

Palhinha played 44 matches for Braga across the course of the campaign, 27 of which came in the league, as he helped his side to a 3rd place finish in the Primeira Liga, as well as playing a significant part in their Europa League run.

A talented defensive midfielder with good physicality and the ability to dictate the game, the 25-year old former Portugal U20 international has been closely linked with a move to the English Premier League, with Wolves and West Ham two sides that have been associated with a move for Palhinha.

Marcos Acuna, 28, is another who is available for transfer for the right fee. The left winger turned left back, who has also operated at centreback for Sporting this season, offers the versatility that few other players can, and for a fee of 15 million euros, could be a shrewd acquisition for many a side.

The Argentinian international played 36 games for Sporting across all competitions this season.