Bayern Munich have rekindled their move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha with an opening offer of around £30million.
The bid is short of Fulham’s valuation but the Germans remain hopeful of reaching an agreement with the Portugal international keen to go.
Bayern tried to sign Palhinha last August for £60million with the player even undergoing the first part of his medical but the deal fell through as Fulham could not find a replacement. Fulham had also rejected a £45million bid from West Ham, valuing him at £75m initially.
Bayern were keen to bring in a defensive midfielder and sport director Max Eberl felt it ultimately cost them last season amid a series of midfield injuries.
Bayern remained in contact with 28-year old Palhinha throughout the season so he knew they were still keen to sign him and he is expected to sign a four or five year contract should the clubs find agreement on the fee.
Joao Palhinha could finally make his move to Bayern Munich before this summers Euros
The Portuguese midfielder came close to moving last summer but the deal was scrapped
New Bayern boss Vincent Kompany has earmarked Palhinha as a prime target for the club
Palhinha has remained the club’s number target for the position, as new boss Vincent Kompany after a trophy-less season for the German club.
The midfielder joined Fulham in 2022 from Sporting and was named the club’s player of the year in his first season at the club, after an impressive debut campaign.
In all, he’s played 79 times for the Cottagers, netting eight goals, and built up a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.
He’s now set to be a key player for the national team as they look to replicate the squad of 2016, by winning the Euros.
Palhinha has 27 caps to his name for the national team, and two goals, and is likely to start alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield for Roberto Martinez’s side.
The Portugal international has gained a reputation as of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League
Palhinha moved to Fulham in 2022 and was the club’s player of the year in his first season
Portugal will begin their campaign against the Czech Republic on Tuesday week, before Group F games with Ukraine and Georgia.
Last night Palhinha played the whole 90 minutes as Martinez’s men suffered a 2-1 defeat to Croatia in a warm-up friendly.
They play Ireland on Tuesday in their final friendly before heading off to Germany for the finals.