Bayern Munich now know that Liverpool are ‘concretely interested’ in signing £56m midfielder

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Liverpool’s interest in Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha is complicating things for Bayern Munich.

Bayern almost signed Palhinha for around £56m last summer, only for the deal to collapse on deadline day. Since then, the German champions have been heavily linked with a return for the 28-year-old, with Liverpool also regularly mentioned.

And now, according to journalist Christian Falk, the Reds’ desire to make a move for Palhinha is ‘concrete.’

“Bayern heard that Liverpool are concretely interested in Joao Palhinha so things are getting complicated already ahead of the January transfer window,” Falk says via The Daily Briefing.

“They don’t have the money at the moment to commit to many big transfers and signing a centre-back is the priority. So, perhaps they might move away from the idea of signing him in the winter if Liverpool are also involved in the poker.

“They do have one alternative in mind in Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. He could be the next choice if Palhinha is off the market.”

Liverpool making things difficult for Bayern

At this stage, it would be a real surprise if Liverpool were genuinely interested in rivalling Bayern for Palhinha.

Despite what Falk says, fellow journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed this week that the Reds’ have not yet made anything ‘concrete’ regarding the Fulham man.

Given his lofty valuation and age, we just don’t see how Liverpool push ahead to sign him.

Some will certainly view this as a mistake from the Reds. Pundits and fans have been shouting about Jurgen Klopp’s need for a specialist defensive midfielder all season long. In terms of what’s out there at the moment, Palhinha would fit that bill very nicely.

Owen Hargreaves even went as far as claiming that Liverpool would win the Premier League if they bring the Portugal international in mid-season.

While we’re not quite sure about that, it would be a real statement of intent if Liverpool were to go big on Palhinha in Janaury.

With Manchester City slightly off colour, there is a title to be won here. Going out and getting the one player missing from the squad would signal that the Reds are serious about winning it. Rightly or wrongly though, we just don’t see it happening.

Bayern themselves have also reportedly been getting cold feet over Palhinha. So, despite Falk’s claims here, we’re going to have to take them with a grain of salt.