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Philip McNulty, ���˿��� Sport

Joao Palhinha's proposed move from Fulham to Bayern Munich has collapsed despite the Portugal midfielder undergoing a medical in Germany.

The 28-year-old was given permission by Fulham to fly to Germany ahead of a possible deal but it was on the strict understanding that a replacement would have to be signed before the deal would be approved.

Fulham were unable to bring anyone in as a direct replacement and the German transfer window closed at 17:00 BST with no transfer signed off, meaning Palhinha will now return to Craven Cottage.

It will be a bitter disappointment to Palhinha, who had set his sights on playing Champions League football, and also to Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel, who saw him as a key acquisition after signing England captain Harry Kane.

Bayern were prepared to offer what would have been a club record figure for a Fulham sale, with a fee in excess of £65m touted, but The Cottagers stood firm and refused to part with one of their most influential players until they had strengthened that area of Marco Silva's team.

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