By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

18th Sep, 2023 | 6:00pm

Joao Palhinha: Fulham to demand bigger fee as Bayern Munich plot new move - sources

Joao Palhinha’s new Fulham contract is set to complicate Bayern Munich’s pursuit of the midfielder, sources have told Football Insider.

Bayern saw a deadline-day move for the 28-year-old fall through after the Cottagers were unable to secure a replacement.

Palhinha has since signed a new contract with Fulham running until 2028, with the option to extend his stay for a further 12 months.

It is believed Bayern’s interest in the Portugal international remains ahead of the January transfer window, but the London club are now set to ask for a bigger fee to sell him.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that there is no release clause as part of the new deal – meaning there is no set fee Bayern can pay to land Palhinha.

Football Insider revealed on 4 September that Man United were also very keen to land the Fulham midfielder in the summer window.

But Erik ten Hag’s side could not meet the Cottagers’ asking price and instead chose to sign Sofyan Amrabat on a loan-to-buy basis.

Ex-Sporting CP star Palhinha played 40 games across all competitions as Marco Silva’s side secured a 10th-placed finish in the Premier League last season.

He has already made four appearances in the new season and scored as Fulham drew 2-2 away at Arsenal last month.

Fulham paid a reported fee of just £20million to bring Palhinha to the club in 2022.

The Craven Cottage outfit lost one key man in the summer window – with Aleksandar Mitrovic leaving in a mega-money move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal.

In other news, Harrison Reed stance on agreeing deal revealed.