Bayern Munich chief issues Joao Palhinha transfer update as Tottenham battle drop

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Joao Palhinha is approaching the end of his Tottenham loan, however Spurs have an option to sign the Bayern Munich midfielder on a permanent basis this summer

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has made it clear Tottenham will not discuss the future of loanee Joao Palhinha until they know which division they are playing in next season.

The Portugal international joined Spurs on loan from Bayern last summer but the deal includes an option to make the switch permanent this summer.

Tottenham's buy-option is set around £21.7million but the overall package with add-ons is worth up to £26m.

Reports in Germany have indicated the Europa League winners are open to signing the 30-year-old for a lower fee but Freund is not expecting movement anytime soon due to their counterparts' ongoing fight for Premier League survival.

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He said during a press conference: "The situation at Tottenham is difficult. João is a fighter, he had a great start at Tottenham. The focus is entirely on avoiding relegation; Tottenham know what they have in him. But the situation there is very tense at the moment, so it's difficult to say anything about the future right now."

Palhinha is yet to earn a start under new boss Roberto De Zerbi, who recently recalled experienced midfield duo Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma to the starting XI against Brighton.

Bayern man Palhinha was a mainstay in the line-up under Thomas Frank earlier in the season and has played in different roles this term having also featuring as a makeshift centre-back.

Earlier in the campaign, it looked a certainty that Tottenham would trigger their permanent transfer option but even if they survive the drop, it's not conclusive that the deal will happen.

Even if Spurs do preserve their top-flight status, the club are expected to oversee wholesale changes to their squad.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is eyeing a return to Italy while veteran defender Ben Davies and central midfielder Bissouma are both out of contract.

Randal Kolo Muani looks destined to return to Paris Saint-Germain following an underwhelming loan spell in north London.

Palhinha's future will also be dictated by whether De Zerbi wants to keep the Portuguese maestro, who turns 31 in July.

The Italian has already claimed he will be at the club whatever happens next season after penning a five-year deal, though he recently told Sky Sports he needs to remain aligned with the Tottenham board following his recent fallout at Marseille.