Aston Villa have resumed talks with Bayern Munich over João Palhinha as Unai Emery’s side make another attempt to bring the midfielder back to the Premier League.
Villa’s pursuit appeared to have stalled after Bayern rejected their initial loan proposal, but negotiations between the clubs are now active again.
The Athletic reports that Villa still believe they can finalise an agreement for Palhinha despite interest from Newcastle United. Villa are seeking a season-long loan containing an option to buy.
Aston Villa reopen João Palhinha talks
The development represents another significant change in a transfer which has repeatedly appeared close to collapsing.
Bayern initially wanted a permanent departure and rejected Villa’s attempt to structure the move as a loan with an option.
However, Read Aston Villa reported on Monday that Bayern had softened their position, opening the possibility of another temporary agreement if the financial package was sufficiently attractive.
Villa have now returned to the negotiating table.
Bayern have previously been seeking around €30million, either through a permanent transfer or the eventual value attached to a loan agreement.
Palhinha has already agreed personal terms with Villa and has indicated that he is prepared to make the move.
The timing could also prove important for Emery.
João Gomes is expected to miss the opening weeks of the season after suffering a calf problem, while Amadou Onana remains unavailable with a long-term knee injury. That has reduced Villa’s senior midfield options ahead of Sunday’s Premier League opener against Brighton.
Newcastle remain a potential rival, but Villa have already invested considerable time in trying to find an agreement with Bayern.
The deal is still not complete.
However, with talks now reopened and Villa believing an agreement remains possible, a transfer which looked in serious danger only days ago is firmly alive again.
