Bayern Munich 'make £50m offer for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha'

Throughout the summer transfer window, head coach Thomas Tuchel has been eager to stamp his own mark on a squad that barely defended their Bundesliga title in 2022-23.

Daniel Peretz, Raphael Guerreiro, Kim Min-Jae, Konrad Laimer and Harry Kane have all made the switch to the Allianz Arena to replace the players that have departed for pastures new.

However, uncertainty remains over Tuchel's midfield options with Ryan Gravenberch seemingly edging closer to making the switch to Liverpool before Friday's transfer deadline.

Although the Netherlands international has failed to move up the pecking order under Tuchel, he remains a high-quality alternative, and Bayern would need to act if he left for Anfield.

Bayern have been linked with a number of players in recent days, including the versatile Trevoh Chalobah and midfielder Conor Gallagher from Chelsea.

Nevertheless, according to The Telegraph, the German giants have instead opted to focus their attention on getting a deal over the line for Palhinha.

The report claims that a proposal worth £50m has been put forward to test Fulham's resolve over a player that they deem to be their key man.

Palhinha, who cost in the region of £20m last summer, has contributed five goals from 43 appearances, his latest being an equaliser at Arsenal on Saturday, but it is his physical presence and tackling ability that make him vital to Marco Silva's side.

While the Cottagers boss would prefer to retain the 28-year-old's services, Palhinha is said to be in favour of moving to Bayern before close of business on Friday.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano adds that Fulham will only allow Palhinha to leave at this stage of the transfer window if they are able to find a suitable replacement.

Fulham are not well-stocked in central midfield with Harrison Reed, Sasa Lukic, Andreas Pereira and Tom Cairney currently their other options.

Alex Iwobi may be signed from Everton and can be used in a midfield three, but he does not possess the defensive-minded capabilities of Palhinha.