Joao Palhinha poised for Premier League return with Tottenham

Tottenham are closing in on the loan signing of Joao Palhinha with the Bayern Munich midfielder set to undergo a medical on Friday, the PA news agency understands.

Spurs are eager to boost their squad for new boss Thomas Frank ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League this season and set their sights on the Portugal international.

Palhinha only signed for Bayern last summer from Fulham in a deal worth up to £47.4million but endured a difficult debut campaign and made only six starts in Bundesliga, which has opened the door for a return to the Premier League.

The midfielder, who turned 30 earlier this month, will join Spurs on a season-long loan with an option included in the deal to make the move permanent for a 30million euros (£26m) fee.

During two years at Craven Cottage, Palhinha quickly became a fan favourite with his all-action style across 79 appearances where he scored eight goals.

It earned the former Sporting Lisbon youngster a big-move move to Bayern, but after struggling for opportunities and making only 25 appearances for the German champions last season, he is set for a return to London.