Bayern handed blow with news of 'concrete' Liverpool transfer interest

Bayern Munich have received a transfer blow with news of 'concrete' interest from Liverpool. That's according to Christian Falk.

Christian Falk understands that Bayern Munich fear Liverpool are about to get involved in a transfer race. The Bavarians have been chasing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha for a little while now, coming incredibly close to signing him at the summer transfer deadline.

That one couldn't get done in time, but it was always with the understanding that Bayern would return in January. Now they may not be able to do that.

Falk says that Bayern are aware of 'concrete' Liverpool interest in Palhinha. That would push the price up - one they were already struggling to pay. They may now need to find a new target as a result.

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

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Palhinha would be an interesting signing for Liverpool - if they can get it done. He's one of the best out-and-out defensive midfielders in the Premier League, if not the best.

But he is a defence-first player, with his passing stats leaving a lot to be desired. Liverpool may feel that a specialist is exactly what they require, however.

If that is the case, scaring off Bayern is a great start. A January bidding war is never a nice thing but it appears that won't be the case here. Certainly, one to watch next month.