As reported by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich are now unlikely to sign Fulham midfielder João Palhinha.
As previously understood, Die Rekordmeister had been keeping their eye on the Portuguese international in their hunt to sign a defensive midfielder. However, a move so late in the transfer window is now being considered as unrealistic for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Fulham are unwilling to sell their prized asset and would demand upwards of €90m for the 28-year-old with the window set to shut on Friday. Nevertheless, Bayern are in contact with Palhinha’s agent and the player has given the green light on a move to Bavaria, but no concrete offer has been made.
Palhinha has been a crucial member of the Fulham squad since his arrival from Sporting CP last summer for a fee of €20m, helping guide the Cottagers to a tenth-place finish last season. He would also inspire Fulham to a surprise point at Arsenal on Saturday with a late strike against the Premier League title contenders.
As for Bayern’s alternatives, a move for either Eric Dier or Scott McTominay is beginning to look unlikely. Florian Plettenberg’s report would confirm that McTominay has never been a serious transfer target, while Eric Dier is currently not a hot topic at the Säbener Straße.
GGFN | Will Shopland
