Sporting's João Palhinha completes move to Braga, Vukcevic future in further doubt

Braga have today completed the loan signing of Sporting CP defensive midfielder Palhinha, the Braga president has confirmed.

The loan deal is due to last two seasons, expiring in the summer of 2020, although Sporting are able to recall their man at the end of the current campaign for a compensation fee.

Palhinha, 23, has played only 18 times for Sporting having come through their youth academy, struggling for game time with the likes of William Carvalho ahead of him in the ranks over the past few seasons.

He has, however, also had two successful loan spells at Moreirense and Belenenses, racking up good Primeira Liga experience in the process, and has been capped for Portugal at U20 level.

His arrival could now confirm the departure of Braga's own defensive midfielder Nikola Vukcevic, who has been seeking a move away from the club this summer, with Nottingham Forest touted as a possible destination for the 26-year old.

Vukcevic, who has been capped 28 times for Montenegro, has had a remarkable career at Braga, notching up 124 matches for the Portuguese outfit in all competitions and becoming a consistent performer for the side.

The Gestifute client's future is in further doubt having been left out of Braga's Europa League squad for their clash with Zorya this Thursday, and was criticised by Braga president Antonio Salvador for not respecting the clubs values.

The Braga president also confirmed that there are only two players for sale - Vukcevic and Ahmed Hassan - and stated that they have received three proposals for the Montenegrin, with none of the offers matching the club's valuation of the defensive midfielder.