FULHAM have won their battle to keep Joao Palhinha out of the clutches of Bayern Munich.
On an extraordinary day for the club, the midfielder flew to Germany ready to close a deal but time has run out.
In the end, Fulham turned down a bid of £61.7 million.
It means boss Marco Silva can count on his star player until January at least.
Germany's transfer deadline is 5pm UK time and the two clubs had not agreed a deal in order to let Palhinha join the Bundesliga champions.
He skipped training today and took a plane to Munich in the hope of securing the big money transfer.
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Reports in Germany claim Palhinha got as far as having medical tests at Bayern's base.
And video footage has emerged appearing to show him on his way to a photoshoot with a Bayern jersey.
But Fulham chiefs dug in and refused to sell even in the face of such a huge offer.
They also had not found a suitable replacement.
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A move for Tottenham's Pierre Emille-Hojberg fell through during a frantic afternoon.
And Man United's Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay also rejected Fulham.
The Cottagers were not prepared to let Palhinha leave without securing a replacement.
And McTominay's snub left little time before the close of the German transfer window to find an alternative.
Palhinha will now head back to England.
And while it is still possible he could line up for Fulham at Manchester City tomorrow - it is most likely he will have a weekend off.
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