Sporting CP challenge Tottenham for signing of Bayern's Joao Palhinha

After a successful loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha has expressed a desire to remain at the London club, who hold a €30 million purchase option.

However, it appears another club has now entered the picture for the 30-year-old.

According to A Bola, Sporting CP are interested in bringing Palhinha back to Lisbon, where he began his career.

The Portuguese outlet reports that the midfielder is willing to significantly reduce his salary to facilitate a return to his boyhood club, with an agreement between player and club said to be largely in place.

Talks between Sporting and FC Bayern Munich are understood to be underway, but reaching an agreement could prove difficult, with the German champions keen to recoup as much of the €50 million fee paid to Fulham FC two years ago as possible.

Sporting would reportedly prefer a loan deal with an option to buy, but it's doubtful if Bayern would sanction another loan move for Palhinha.