Tottenham are closing in on the loan signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha. The destructive number six joined the German giants in a £42.3m deal last summer and called it "the happiest day of my life" – although the move has since soured due to injury and a lack of playing time.

"I think my type of game, it belongs to the Premier League. I've always said that I really enjoyed the two seasons that I had at Fulham, it was a dream come true and probably one of the best memories I have in my football career belonged to the Premier League.

The deal includes an option to make the transfer permanent for €30million (£25.9m, $34.2m) at the end of the season.