Fulham have rejected a £38m bid for one of Marco Silva's most valuable players

Fulham have rejected a second bid from Bayern Munich for midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to reports.

Palhinha has become a key player under Marco Silva since arriving from Sporting CP in the summer of 2022.

Last season, the speedy midfielder – who is part of Portugal's Euro 2024 squad this month and has 27 appearances to his name so far – ranked first among Fulham players in the Premier League for tackles (152), winning points in the central third. (95) and headed goals (2).

Palhinha's aggressiveness can sometimes leave him walking the tightrope, but he has managed to avoid a red card throughout the campaign despite picking up a league-high 13 yellow cards.

Bayern Munich pushed to sign Palhinha last summer but were unsuccessful. However, according to talkSPORT, the Bavarians have returned to the table. Having already had a £30m offer rejected earlier this week, it is understood Bayern have now been pushed back to £38m.

Fulham to stay real with Palhinha

Palhinha's contract at Craven Cottage runs until the summer of 2028, with Fulham having the option to extend it by another year, so there is no rush for the London club to sell on the cheap.

That said, Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan told talkSPORT in February that they would consider offers for Palhinha that they deemed reasonable.

“He's a great player for Fulham, we love having him and I want Joao to stay with us for as long as possible,” said Khan, adding: “But it's part of the business anytime you sign a player who you know will hopefully increase their value and that can mean people will come in.” “

With Bayern rebuilding under new manager Vincent Kompany following a disappointing third-place finish and trophyless season in 2023/24, there is little chance of this transfer saga reaching its conclusion.