Newcastle could hijack Aston Villa transfer and get revenge for Johan Manzambi saga

Newcastle will rival Aston Villa in the race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, talkSPORT understands.

The 31-year-old has returned to Bayern Munich having spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Tottenham.

Getty

Palhinha chipped in with seven goals and three assists from 45 games across all competitions.

And it was the Portugal international’s strike in the 1-0 win over Everton on the final game of the campaign that kept Spurs in the Premier League.

However, despite becoming a fan favourite in north London, Roberto De Zerbi‘s side decided against activating his £26million buy option.

While he has been involved in pre-season duty for Bayern, the club have made it clear he is not in their long-term plans.

The club’s director of sport, Max Eberl, named the ex-Fulham star as one of three players the Bundesliga champions are willing to sell.

Joao about that?

A return to England could now be in the offing, with Villa in talks to sign the player as they look to bolster their midfield having sold Youri Tielemans, while Amadou Onana suffered an ACL injury on World Cup duty.

Villans director of football Damian Vidagany recently told Bild: “We are in talks, but there is currently no agreement.

“I believe Aston Villa would be a great club for him.”

Though talkSPORT understands that Newcastle are also keen, with the two clubs set to be involved in another transfer battle following the Johan Manzambi saga earlier this window.

Newcastle had agreed a £51.2m deal with Hoffenheim to sign the Switzerland international, only for the Villans to hijack the deal.

Like Villa, the Toon have made it a priority to strengthen their midfield having sold skipper Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali for a combined £175million.

And Palhinha has been identified as a real option for new boss Matthias Jaissle, as he looks to add much-needed experience to his squad.

So far, Newcastle have made two midfield signings in Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba, but both are aged 20 or below.

Newcastle also remain interested in another former Spurs star in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Talks are being held to sign the 31-year-old, who had his loan stay at Marseille from Spurs turned into a permanent switch last summer.

Believed to be available for between £10m-£15m, Hojbjerg boasts a wealth of Premier League experience having played 254 top-flight games in his career.