By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

20th Sep, 2023 | 8:00am

Joao Palhinha: Fulham star could still quit in January after big development

Joao Palhinha’s new Fulham contract does not guarantee he will remain at the club past the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

Palhinha, 28, has since signed a new contract with Fulham running until 2028, with the option to extend his stay for a further 12 months.

The Portugal international, who was also the subject of strong interest from West Ham, saw a deadline-day move to Bayern Munich fall through as Fulham weren’t able to secure a replacement.

It is believed Bayern’s interest remains ahead of the January transfer window, but the London club are now set to ask for a bigger fee to sell Palhinha after he signed a new deal.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that there is no release clause as part of the contract.

Football Insider revealed on 4 September that Man United were also very keen to land the Fulham midfielder in the summer window.

However, the Red Devils eventually chose to sign Sofyan Amrabat on a loan-to-buy basis after baulking at the Cottagers’ demands for Palhinha.

The Fulham star has already made four appearances in the new season and scored as the London side drew 2-2 away at Arsenal last month.

Palhinha played 40 games across all competitions as Marco Silva’s side secured a 10th-placed finish in the Premier League last season.

The Cottagers paid a reported fee of just £20million to bring the combative midfielder to the club from Sporting CP in 2022.

In other news, Harrison Reed stance on agreeing deal revealed.