Aston Villa have received a significant boost in their pursuit of João Palhinha after Bayern Munich publicly confirmed that the midfielder can leave.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl named Palhinha alongside Sacha Boey and Bryan Zaragoza as three players who have no future at the Bundesliga club.
“We have three players we are open to letting go,” Eberl said, as relayed by talkSPORT.
“If they want to stay with us, it will be tough because we are not planning with them. Then they won’t play a role.”
João Palhinha Aston Villa transfer door opens
Villa have held an interest in Palhinha after Youri Tielemans joined Manchester United and Amadou Onana suffered a serious knee injury.
The Portugal international is keen to remain in England following his loan spell with Tottenham last season. Spurs allowed their option to sign him permanently to expire after adding Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.
Villa have explored a loan agreement containing an option to buy, while Bayern have preferred a permanent sale. Eberl’s unusually direct comments could weaken the German club’s negotiating position as the transfer window progresses.
Palhinha recently caused concern when he received treatment during Bayern training. However, the midfielder completed the session, as covered in ReadAstonVilla’s latest João Palhinha injury update.
The 31-year-old would offer Premier League experience and specialist defensive qualities. He could provide protection alongside João Gomes and Boubacar Kamara while Onana recovers.
Newcastle United are also reportedly interested, so Villa cannot assume they will have a clear run at Palhinha.
However, Bayern have now publicly opened the exit door. That development should give Villa greater confidence that a compromise can eventually be reached.
