Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha has revealed that he was the subject of a transfer bid from West Ham United last summer.
The Portugal international was on the verge of completing a move to Bayern Munich in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.
Palhinha flew to Germany with a view to finalising a transfer, but the move ultimately failed to materialise before the transfer deadline passed.
The 28-year-old subsequently put pen to paper on a new contract with Fulham, extending his deal until June 2028 with an option for a further year.
When asked if the renewal was a result of the failed Bayern move, Palhinha made the surprising omission that West Ham made a bid to sign him before the German giants.
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"No. The renewal had already been scheduled since our pre-season training camp in the United States," Palhinha told Portuguese outlet O Jogo.
"At the time, I had received an excellent offer from West Ham and had a conversation with Fulham's owner, who committed himself to renewing my contract.
"I took it as a vote of confidence. I never expected that Bayern would turn up in the final stages of the market."
Palhinha, who joined Fulham from Sporting Lisbon in 2022, has continued to play a key role in his second season with the West London club.
The Portuguese midfielder has started 22 of his 24 Premier League appearances this term, chipping in with three goals and one assist.
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Will Palhinha be on the move this summer?
Despite having a long-term contract with Fulham, Palhinha continues to be linked with a move away from Craven Cottage ahead of the summer transfer window.
Last month, Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan admitted that the club would consider "sensible offers" for Palhinha ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been credited with an interest, while it remains to be seen whether Bayern will renew their pursuit.
After returning from international duty, Palhinha's current focus will be on helping Fulham achieve a positive result in Saturday's away league game against Sheffield United.
