João Palhinha has agreed personal terms with Aston Villa and informed Bayern Munich that he wants to complete a move to Villa Park.
The Portugal international is now prepared to join Unai Emery’s side as soon as Villa and Bayern can reach an agreement over the transfer.
Fabrizio Romano revealed the major development on Wednesday evening, reporting that Palhinha has given Villa the green light and communicated his desire to leave Bayern for the Premier League club.
João Palhinha Aston Villa move takes huge step forward
Villa have been pursuing Palhinha throughout the summer, but the player’s decision represents the most significant development in the negotiations so far.
ReadAstonVilla reported on Sunday that Palhinha was becoming increasingly interested in joining Aston Villa, with Emery’s side pushing for a deal despite differences with Bayern over the structure of a transfer.
Those talks can now proceed with Palhinha’s position clear.
Bayern would prefer to secure a permanent departure and have reportedly been looking for around €30million (£26m)for the 31-year-old, while Villa have previously explored a loan containing an option to buy.
Palhinha returned to Bayern this summer after spending last season on loan at Tottenham. Spurs decided against making the move permanent, opening the door for another Premier League club to step in.
Villa’s need for another midfielder has increased following Amadou Onana’s long-term injury, while Youri Tielemans has also left for Manchester United. Emery already has João Gomes and Boubacar Kamara available, but Palhinha would bring further Premier League experience and defensive strength.
There is still work for Villa to do with Bayern before the transfer can be completed.
However, personal terms being agreed and Palhinha making Villa his preferred destination puts Emery’s side in a considerably stronger position as negotiations enter their decisive stage.
