SCOTT McTOMINAY is Bayern Munich’s back-up plan if they fail to land Joao Palhinha in the January window.
Fulham ace Palhinha signed a contract extension last week after his summer move to the German giants collapsed at the last minute.
The 28-year-old Portuguese passed a Bayern medical and was set to sign on deadline day.
But the West Londoners pulled the plug on the move because they could not secure a suitable replacement.
That was partly because Manchester United midfielder McTominay, who started in their 3-1 Old Trafford defeat to Brighton yesterday (above), was reluctant to move to Craven Cottage.
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And now Bundesliga champions Bayern are considering cutting out the middle man and moving for the 26-year-old, who has 40 caps and six goals for Scotland.
However, their pursuit of Palhinha is not over.
The highly-rated 22-cap Portugal international’s new deal gave him a hefty pay rise and added another year to his contract — without inserting a release clause.
But in reality that makes little difference to the £50million-plus fee Marco Silva’s Cottagers would demand if Bayern or anyone else came calling in the New Year for their star man.
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Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel wants a defensive midfielder and Friday’s disappointing 2-2 home draw against Bayer Leverkusen only increased his determination.
Tottenham star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who played for Bayern earlier in his career, is also a candidate.
But Tuchel appreciates McTominay’s qualities after seeing him in action during his spell as Chelsea manager.
