Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has admitted that the German club remain interested in Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.

The Bavarians identified Palhinha as a target for the summer transfer window after he made a significant impact in his first season with the Cottagers.

Palhinha, who arrived from Sporting Lisbon in 2022, started 35 out of Fulham's 38 Premier League games last term, helping the club achieve a top-half finish.

The 28-year-old looked set to join Bayern on the final day of the summer window, and he even travelled to Germany with a transfer expected to be completed.

However, the transfer ultimately broke down as the German transfer window slammed shut before the two clubs could finalise a deal.

The teams reportedly failed to reach a final agreement over a fee, while Fulham were also reluctant to allow Palhinha to leave without signing a replacement.

Although the transfer failed to materialise in the summer, Freund has indicated that Bayern could renew their interest in January.

Speaking to Bild, Freund said: "Of course, he is still on our radar. The club worked intensively with Palhinha in the summer.

"I was there for the bit on the last, strange day of the transfer window, but you can't say yet what will happen. We are generally exploring the market."

Bayern are still open to pursuing a deal despite the fact that Palhinha signed a new long-term contract with Fulham after his deadline-day move fell through.

The midfielder agreed to extend his contract with the Cottagers until the summer of 2028 with an option for a further year.

Palhinha has continued to feature regularly for Marco Silva's side this term, having started nine of his 10 Premier League appearances.

After playing the duration of Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa Palhinha has joined up with the Portugal squad ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifiers against Slovakia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.