Fulham find Palhinha replacement in £20m AFCON star - will fight Everton for 'important' 26 y/o

Fulham may have found a replacement for wantaway midfielder Joao Palhinha in Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, according to reports.

The Guardian suggests that the Cottagers may look to bring the Bees' man in on a loan deal this month after ball-winning star Palhinha admitted that he is already planning a future away from Fulham this week. The 28-year-old had a £58 million move to Bayern Munich green-lighted last summer but the deal collapsed when the London club failed to find a replacement.

Palhinha returned to Craven Cottage and has enjoyed another impressive campaign so far, putting in a head-turning showing against Liverpool in this week's Carabao Cup clash. However, before the game, the player reminded fans that he did not see his long-term future at Fulham. He told Sky Sports: “I’ve always said that I feel the love that the supporters have for me. I know that someday I will leave Fulham. I want to give everything. I’m always 100 per cent professional here, and I will do my job every time that I play for Fulham.”

It now appears that Fulham have found a suitable replacement for Palhinha in Onyeka, who is part of Nigeria's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast this month. The 26-year-old signed a new four-year contract with Brentford last August but has made just six Premier League starts this season and is believed to want more game-time rather than substitute cameos.

Brentford are reported to value the player at £20 million but could be open to sending the midfielder out on loan this month for a 'try before you buy' situation with interested parties - Everton, Fiorentina, Lens and Villarreal are also touted as potential destinations.

Speaking after Onyeka put pen to paper on a new deal before the current campaign, Bees manager Thomas Frank said: “I’m very pleased that Frank has signed a new contract. He has helped the team a lot during our time in the Premier League.

“During both seasons he has been unlucky with injuries, which have prevented him from taking an even bigger step forward in terms of minutes, but I really like his energy. Frank is a great pressing player. He runs into the half-spaces and in behind, progressing up the pitch. He’s a very important player for us and we’re looking forward to continuing the journey with him.”