Joao Palhinha's move to Bayern Munich has dramatically collapsed despite the player having taken pictures in the German outfit's colours, it has been claimed.
On Friday, it emerged that Palhinha has been given permission to travel to Germany as Bayern tried to thrash out a deadline day deal for the Portugal star.
The Bundesliga side's coach Thomas Tuchel was thought to be keen to add the 28-year-old to his squad, having signed England captain Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the window.
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However the move, which was said to be in its final stages, dramatically appears to be collapsing.
Fabrizio Romano said on X, the social media platform formally known as Twitter: "João Palhinha completed two round of medical tests, took pictures in Bayern shirt but deal is currently collapsing."
The Italian then added: "João Palhinha deal, 100% OFF. No way to change the situation despite medical and media duties done today.
"Been told Fulham tried last minute for Scott McTominay… but no deal on player side and Palhinha will return to Fulham."
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Indeed, Fulham were reluctant to lose the influential Palhinha, but the player was thought to be keen to play Champions League football.
The fee was expected to be about £65million. The player would have been the second high-profile player to depart Craven Cottage in recent weeks after striker Aleksandar Mitrovic joined Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
Transfer guru Romano insisted however, that the twist in Palhinha's move will have no affect on Liverpool's attempts to sign Gravenberch.
The transfer guru said: "Sources confirm Ryan Gravenberch deal should be and will be fine despite the incredible turnaround with João Palhinha.
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"Liverpool believe all documents needed are already signed."
Liverpool have agreed a fee in the region of €40million (£34.2million) to sign Gravenberch from Bayern.
The 21-year-old midfielder is set to sign a five-year deal with Jurgen Klopp's side.
Bayern wanted to recoup the £20million fee inclusive of add-ons they spent on recruiting Gravenberch last summer from Ajax, plus make a profit. Ajax are understood to have a 7.5 per cent sell-on clause in the Netherlands international's deal.
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It had been claimed that Bayern wanted to source a replacement before sanctioning Gravenberch's departure, with Palhinha the primary target.
Topics: Football, Transfers, Liverpool, Fulham, Bayern Munich
Chris Byfield