Bayern Munich remain in negotiations with Fulham over the transfer of Joao Palhinha, with the German giants seeking to bolster their midfield options. The London club rejected Bayern’s initial £30m bid for the player, deeming it insufficient for their star midfielder. However, Bayern are undeterred and are optimistic about reaching an agreement.

Palhinha, a key member of the Portugal national team, is eager to test himself in the Bundesliga. Bayern’s new manager, Vincent Kompany, has identified the midfielder as a prime target as he aims to restore the club to the summit of German football after a disappointing season. The Portuguese midfielder came close to joining Bayern last August in a £60m deal, but the move fell through as Fulham could not secure a replacement.

Should the clubs agree on a fee, Palhinha is expected to sign a long-term contract, with a four or five-year deal on the table. The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top defensive midfielders since joining Fulham from Sporting Lisbon in 2022. He was named Fulham’s Player of the Year in his debut season and has gone on to make 79 appearances for the club, scoring eight goals.

Palhinha moved to Fulham in 2022 and was an instant hit, being named the club’s player of the year in his first season

Bayern Munich are also considering other defensive options, including Chelsea’s Levi Colwill and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah. The club’s sporting director, Max Eberl, believes that a lack of depth in defensive midfield cost them last season, and they are determined not to make the same mistake again.

Meanwhile, Fulham are also busy in the transfer market, holding talks with Hoffenheim over a potential deal for winger Jacob Bruun Larsen. The 25-year-old Danish winger spent last season on loan at Burnley, where he impressed with seven goals in 36 appearances across all competitions.

The Portuguese midfielder came close to moving to Bayern last summer, but the deal ultimately fell through

As the summer transfer window heats up, both Bayern Munich and Fulham are active in their pursuit of key targets. With Palhinha at the heart of their plans, Bayern are determined to finalize his signing, while Fulham are also looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.