Aston Villa are accelerating talks with Bayern Munich for João Palhinha as they look to fend off interest from Newcastle United in the experienced Portugal international.
Unai Emery's side have identified the 31-year-old as their preferred replacement for the injured Amadou Onana, but Newcastle's search for midfield reinforcements has complicated negotiations.
Aston Villa confirm Palhinha talks
Villa's interest is no secret, with sporting director Damian Vidagany publicly confirming discussions with Bayern Munich following Friday's 2-1 pre-season defeat to the Bundesliga champions in Hong Kong.
"João Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans. We are in talks, but there is currently no agreement."
Vidagany also made clear that Villa believe the Portugal international would be an excellent fit under Emery.
"I believe Aston Villa would be a great club for the player."
Palhinha spent last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur and is expected to leave Bayern permanently after being informed he is not part of the club's long-term plans.
Newcastle monitoring situation
Villa are not alone in pursuing the former Fulham midfielder.
Newcastle United are also assessing Palhinha as they reshape their midfield following Bruno Guimaraes' £75 millionmove to Arsenal.
Although Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg remains Newcastle's primary target, Palhinha has emerged as a serious alternative should negotiations fail.
With funds available following Guimaraes' departure, Newcastle could yet rival Villa financially despite missing out on European football this season.
Villa keen to avoid transfer disappointment
Aston Villa are eager to complete a deal before Newcastle intensify their interest.
The Midlands club have already strengthened ahead of the new campaign but see Palhinha's experience as crucial after Onana suffered an ACL injury during the World Cup.
Villa also have recent experience of beating Newcastle to a major signing after hijacking the Magpies' move for Johan Manzambi earlier this summer.
Key Points
- Aston Villa are in talks with Bayern Munich over João Palhinha.
- The Portugal midfielder is Villa's preferred replacement for the injured Amadou Onana.
- Newcastle United are also monitoring the 31-year-old.
- Pierre-Emile Højbjerg remains Newcastle's first-choice midfield target.
- Bayern are prepared to let Palhinha leave this summer.
What's next?
Negotiations between Aston Villa and Bayern Munich are expected to continue in the coming days as Emery looks to strengthen his midfield before the Premier League season begins. Newcastle's interest means Villa will be keen to reach an agreement quickly before competition for Palhinha's signature intensifies.
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *