Tottenham close in on Bayern Munich flop Joao Palhinha

Tottenham are set to add some steel to their midfield after agreeing a deal with Bayern Munich for Joao Palhinha.

The Portugal international moved to the Allianz Arena last summer from Fulham for a fee rising to £47.4million but failed to establish himself under Vincent Kompany and is reportedly keen on returning to the Premier League.

Spurs have granted him that opportunity as they look to rebuild under new boss Thomas Frank.

Tottenham will have option to make Palhinha deal permanent

The deal for Palhinha will see him join Tottenham on an initial season-long loan deal with the London club picking up his wages in full while there is also a clause that could see him move on a permanent basis for £27m next June.

The 30-year-old carved out a reputation at Fulham as a tough-tackling midfielder who thrived in breaking up attacks.

He made 68 top-flight appearances for the Cottagers but started just six games in the Bundesliga for Bayern.

Tottenham quietly rebuilding under Frank

If the deal goes through it would be Tottenham’s fourth major signing of the summer following on from Mohammed Kudus, Kota Takai and Luka Vuskovic.

Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel have also moved to North London after loan spells with Spurs last season.

Tottenham beat North London rivals Arsenal 1-0 in their latest pre-season friendly yesterday, Pape Sarr scoring the only goal in Hong Kong.