Joao Palhinha in talks over return to the Premier League after Tottenham exit

Aston Villa are in talks over a deal for Joao Palhinha, their director of football has confirmed.

The midfielder is one of three players that Bayern Munich are willing to sell this summer.

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Palhinha joined Bayern from Fulham in 2024 and he spent last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur.

His move to north London included a £26million option to buy, but it expired and he has returned to Germany.

With the Portuguese international not in Bayern’s plans, he looks set to leave just two seasons after he signed.

A return to the Premier League appears to be on the cards as Damian Vidagany told BILD that Villa are working on a move.

“We need a midfielder because Amadou Onana is out for the entire season – Joao Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans,” Vidagany said.

“We are in talks, but there is currently no agreement. I believe Aston Villa would be a great club for him.”

That was as much as Vidagany was willing to give away, as he refused to comment on further details due to the ‘great respect’ all at Villa have for Bayern.

Palhinha has made 101 appearances in the Premier League across his stints at Fulham and Spurs.

A move to Villa would present him with an opportunity to play in the Champions League during the new season.

Newcastle United, who have lost Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal, have also been linked with Palhinha.

Midfield moves

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Villa have already completed two signings in central midfield so far this summer.

Johan Manzambi was brought in from SC Freiburg in a £52million deal that made him their club-record signing.

Villa have also signed Joao Gomes from West Midlands rivals Wolves for £35m.

Ross Barkley, John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara and Lamare Bogarde are listed as central midfielders on Villa’s website.

However, Youri Tielemans has departed for Manchester United, whilst Enzo Barrenechea is back at Benfica after a loan spell.

Villa begin their season on Wednesday night when they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup, live on talkSPORT.

Their first Premier League fixture comes four days later on August 23 with a trip to Brighton.