Tottenham open Joao Palhinha talks with Bayern Munich as Thomas Frank closes in on fourth summer signing

According to The Athletic, Spurs are favouring a loan over a permanent deal for the 30-year-old, with Bayern ready to part ways with the midfielder. Now Thomas Frank's team are in negotiations with the German giants over a summer switch.

Bayern paid €51 million (£44m) to sign Palhinha from Fulham just last year but now the Bundesliga champions have made the Portugal international available for departure. If signed, Palhinha could become Tottenham's fourth new arrival this summer since Frank was appointed as head coach, following the transfers of Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, and Kota Takai.

Palhinha made 25 appearances for Bayern last season but just 10 of those were starts under manager Vincent Kompany. Indeed, the likes of Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goreztka and Aleksandar Pavlovic were often preferred to the 6ft 3in defensive midfielder.

It remains to be seen if Palhinha will join Spurs this summer but the fact that Bayern and the north London team have already done business in recent months, after striking a permanent deal for Tel, may help in the negotiations.