Aston Villa remain in the race to sign João Palhinha despite Bayern Munich rejecting their proposed loan deal for the Portugal international.
Villa have been attempting to bring the 31-year-old back to the Premier League after his season-long spell with Tottenham Hotspur.
The clubs have struggled to agree on the structure of a transfer. Villa favour a loan containing an option to buy, while Bayern want to secure a permanent sale.
That disagreement appeared to leave the deal in serious danger when Bayern sporting director Max Eberl indicated that the two clubs were unlikely to find common ground.
However, The Sun now reports that Aston Villa remain in the hunt for Palhinha, despite Bayern turning down their loan proposal.
Aston Villa keep João Palhinha transfer alive
Villa’s interest in Palhinha has developed significantly since the midfielder first emerged on their shortlist.
ReadAstonVilla reported in July that Villa were preparing a loan move, with Bayern already understood to prefer a permanent departure.
The player has since agreed personal terms with Villa, according to Sky Germany reporting carried this week, leaving the structure of the deal as the major obstacle between the clubs.
Bayern’s position remains firm.
Eberl confirmed that Villa’s proposal was not acceptable, while Bayern are believed to be looking for a fee of around €25million to €30m for Palhinha.
That creates a clear decision for Villa.
They can either improve the structure of their proposal, wait to see whether Bayern’s stance softens later in the window or move towards another midfield target.
Newcastle threat appears to ease
Newcastle United have also explored a move for Palhinha, adding another Premier League club to the race.
However, today’s report claims the chances of Palhinha moving to Newcastle are currently considered doubtful. Benfica remain another serious contender and are prepared to discuss a permanent transfer.
That could prove important for Villa.
Their pursuit has already survived one major setback, when premature reports of a medical were dismissed earlier in the summer.
The situation now looks similar.
Bayern have rejected Villa’s preferred deal structure, but Villa have not walked away.
With Palhinha already open to the move, the final question is whether either club is prepared to compromise.
