Shock Man Utd star wanted by Bayern Munich as Joao Palhinha transfer falls through

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.

Man Utd star Scott McTominay is a target for Bayern MunichAP

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.

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.