Bayern Munich watch over Joao Palhinha during Fulham's thrashing of West Ham

Bayern Munich representatives were at Craven Cottage to check in on Joao Palhinha during Fulham's 5-0 thrashing of West Ham United on Sunday, sources have confirmed to 90min.

Palhinha was close to securing a move to Bayern on the final day of the summer 2023 transfer window, travelling to Munich to complete a medical and sign a contract.

However, in part due to Fulham's inability to to secure a suitable replacement for the midfielder, the deal fell through and he returned to west London.

90min understands that Bayern are continuing to monitor Palhinha and were represented at Fulham's most recent win, during which the Portugal international grabbed an assist for Raul Jimenez. Though Palhinha signed a new five-year contract with the Whites in September, he is still open to leaving during the upcoming January transfer window.

Though Bayern remain fans of Palhinha, they also want to sign a new defender in January - 90min reported earlier on Monday they are keen on Barcelona's Ronald Araujo. Signing both Palhinha for a fee in the region of £60m and a new centre-back will prove difficult this winter.

Palhinha's representatives have also informed Premier League sides that he could be available, with Arsenal and Liverpool among those interested.

Sources have told 90min that while Palhinha was bitterly disappointed a summer switch to Bayern fell through, he has remained a consummate professional and has not kicked up a fuss, which was best demonstrated by his willingness to sign a new contract so soon after the window closed.

While Palhinha's Fulham scored five at the weekend, Bayern were hammered 5-1 away at Eintracht Frankfurt, highlighting their need for defensive reinforcements.

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