Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund suggests Bundesliga giants will return for Fulham's Joao Palhinha after failed deadline day move

The Bavarians continue to have an active interest in the Portuguese midfielder despite failing to land him at Allianz Arena in the summer. Their previous pursuit could not be finalised by the deadline as Fulham were reluctant to let him go due to their inability to sign a replacement but the reigning Bundesliga champions have not given up on him and will once again attempt to sign the player in the upcoming winter window.

Speaking to Bild, Freund said: "Of course, he is still on our radar. The club worked intensively with Palhinha in the summer. I was there for the bit on the last, strange day of the transfer window, but you can't say yet what will happen. We are generally exploring the market."

Palhinha committed to a new long-term contract with Fulham until the summer of 2028 with an option to extend it by another 12 months. This could complicate Bayern's pursuit as the Cottagers are firmly in control of the player's future. He continues to be an important piece of the jigsaw under Marco Silva and has started in nine of his 10 appearances this season.

Palhinha will be in action with Portugal against Liechtenstein and Iceland in two Euro 2024 qualifiers on November 16 and 19 respectively. Meanwhile, Bayern will take on Koln on November 24 in a Bundesliga fixture after the international break.