Joao Palhinha’s move to Bayern Munich has only been ‘postponed’ rather than cancelled, according to the Fulham midfielder’s brother and agent.

The Portuguese international saw his big money move to the German giants fall through on Friday afternoon after the Whites failed to find a replacement before the closure of the German transfer window. He did not feature in Fulham’s 5-1 defeat at Manchester City yesterday having arrived back in the United Kingdom very late on Friday night.

Palhinha’s brother, Goncalo, who has been his agent since April, wrote on Instagram: “They didn’t kill the dream, they just postponed it. Very proud of my brother and the player I represent. Words of appreciation, recognition and thanks to the entire Bayern structure. The affection for the club in our family will remain forever even though my brother didn’t sign.