Aston Villa have reportedly stepped up their efforts to sign Joao Palhinha and are now considered favourites for the Bayern Munich midfielder despite competition from Newcastle United.
Villa have been in talks over the Portugal international as Unai Emery looks to add another experienced midfielder following Amadou Onana’s long-term injury.
TEAMtalk now reports that Villa are pushing to complete the deal, with the club working to find an agreement that suits both Bayern and the player.
Newcastle have also spoken with Palhinha, but Villa are understood to remain ahead in the race.
Joao Palhinha Aston Villa move gathers pace
Villa’s preference is reportedly to sign Palhinha on loan with an option to make the move permanent.
That structure would be similar to the deal which took the 31-year-old to Tottenham last season, although Bayern would prefer an outright sale.
The German club are now assessing whether Villa can put forward a proposal which works for them as negotiations continue.
ReadAstonVilla reported on Sunday that Newcastle had joined the race after Villa director of football operations Damian Vidagany publicly confirmed talks with Bayern.
The latest update is more encouraging for Emery.
TEAMtalk says Palhinha has spoken with Newcastle and is aware of their interest, but Villa are currently considered to be leading the pursuit.
Palhinha spent last season on loan at Tottenham after previously establishing himself in the Premier League with Fulham.
His arrival would add another defensive option to a midfield already strengthened by the summer signings of João Gomes and Johan Manzambi.
ReadAstonVilla has also examined how signing Palhinha could change Gomes’ role, with the Portuguese midfielder capable of operating as the deepest player in Emery’s midfield.
There is still work to do.
Bayern’s preference for a permanent transfer does not match Villa’s proposed loan structure, while Newcastle remain interested.
However, the latest report suggests Villa have moved into a strong position as they attempt to bring Palhinha back to the Premier League.
