Bayern Munich handed major boost in pursuit of Joao Palhinha

Bayern Munich are ready to make a firm bid for Fulham star Joao Palhinha after receiving encouragement that a deal can be finalised before this week's transfer deadline, 90min understands.

The Portuguese midfielder has been outstanding for Fulham since arriving from Sporting CP in deal worth just over £20m last summer.

Bayern have been looking around Europe for a new midfielder, while they simultaneously look set to sanction Ryan Gravenberch's departure to England. They have already lured Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane to Bavaria, they are ready to make add another Premier League powerhouse in Palhinha.

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Fulham had insisted this summer that Palhinha was not for sale and fended off interest from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and West Ham. But 90min understands that interest from Bayern has turned the 28-year-old's head.

Bayern are aware of the mutual interest and have been encouraged to pursue a deal. They have been looking at making a £51m offer, but 90min understands from sources close to Fulham that it will take more than that for the club to be tempted into a sale, but not a considerable amount more.

Fulham have been quoting interested parties around £80m, but with Palhinha's desire now clear, it is believed that a package of £60m plus at least another £10m in add-ons could very well be enough to land him.

It would represent a huge profit for Fulham, but also a huge headache for them having already lost star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic this month.

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