After spending the current season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur from Bayern Munich, the 30-year-old midfielder is said to have made a move back to Lisbon his priority.
Sporting have identified Palhinha as their top target to replace captain Morten Hjulmand, who is expected to leave this summer, with talks already underway over a potential deal.
According to A Bola, the club’s hierarchy and coach Rui Borges strongly support the reunion, although financial constraints remain a major hurdle due to the player’s €9m annual salary at Bayern, with a contract running until 2028.
To ease negotiations, Palhinha is willing to significantly reduce his wages, leaving Sporting to focus on structuring a feasible agreement with Bayern, either through a reduced fee or a loan with an option to buy.