Tottenham close to loan move for Bayern's Palhinha

Joao Palhinha picked up 27 yellow cards across his previous two seasons in England

Tottenham are closing in on a loan move for Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha.

Talks between the clubs are at an advanced stage, with an agreement in principle in place.

An agreement over personal terms is unlikely to pose a problem and the deal is set to carry an option for the 30-year-old to make the transfer permanent.

Palhinha has significant Premier League experience, making 68 top-flight appearances in two years at Fulham before his move to Germany for £42.3m in July 2024.

However, the Portugal international has made just six Bundesliga starts since his move to Bavaria and is keen for a return to England.

Spurs have already made Mathys Tel's loan move from Bayern permanent since the arrival of head coach Thomas Frank, while Mohammed Kudus has been signed from West Ham in a deal worth £55m.

They had previously looked to add to their midfield but failed in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White.

'Palhinha can provide balance to midfield' - analysis

Former West Ham, Wolves and Crystal Palace coach Edu Rubio

Joao Palhinha can be a fantastic addition to Tottenham.

The move could help provide balance to a very creative and attacking minded midfield and offer a security line to the team's backline and defensive approach.

He is a very good defensive-minded midfielder and his physical ability and presence will be perfect for the Premier League.

Palhinha's ability to win tackles and aerial duels can also be very valuable.

His leadership qualities have been appreciated by his team-mates at Bayern, and no doubt these will be welcomed by Thomas Frank, too.