Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha is hoping to become the toughest tackler in the Premier League.

The summer arrival from Sporting CP is finding his feet in the English top flight with the newly promoted club.

The 27-year-old has more successful tackles than any other players in the league so far.

“It's my objective," he said to reporters ahead of their game against Bournemouth on Saturday.

“If I had a game where I didn't do many tackles I wouldn't feel very happy with myself. I want to do more.

"One of my objectives this season is to be in the top three, [but] if I'm the man with the most, I will be happy.

“It's part of my game where I know I'm strong, but I want to improve other things in my game."