Joao Palhinha is reportedly becoming increasingly interested in joining Aston Villa as Unai Emery’s side push to reach a loan agreement with Bayern Munich.
Villa have been working on a deal for the Portugal international as they look to add experience to their midfield before the transfer window closes.
Sky Sports reports that Palhinha is increasingly interested in making the move to Villa Park. Villa hope the midfielder’s desire to join them can help produce a breakthrough in negotiations with Bayern.
Joao Palhinha Aston Villa move gathers momentum
Villa would prefer to sign Palhinha on loan rather than commit to another significant permanent fee this summer.
Bayern have previously been reluctant to sanction another temporary departure and would prefer a permanent solution. Palhinha returned to Germany after Tottenham decided against making his loan move permanent at the end of last season.
However, the player’s own position could now become important as talks continue.
ReadAstonVilla reported earlier today that Villa had stepped up their pursuit of Palhinha, with Newcastle also holding discussions over the former Fulham midfielder.
Competition has not disappeared. Sky Sports says Newcastle remain interested, while Benfica and Palhinha’s former club Sporting CP are also still monitoring his future.
Villa can offer Palhinha an immediate return to the Premier League and Champions League football under Emery.
The 31-year-old also knows English football well following spells with Fulham and Tottenham. He would add a more defensive option alongside Boubacar Kamara and new signing Joao Gomes in Emery’s midfield.
There is still work required with Bayern before a deal can be completed, particularly over the structure of the transfer.
Palhinha becoming increasingly keen on Villa, though, gives Emery’s side another reason to believe an agreement can be found.
