Villa confirms interest in signing Palhinha
Aston Villa transfer chief Damian Viadagany has confirmed the club is in talks with Bayern Munich over a potential transfer for Joao Palhinha.
Palhinha has struggled to nail down a place at Bayern since joining in July 2024, making just 25 appearances in all competitions in his first season.
He then spent last season on loan in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur, with his goal ensuring the club stayed in the top-flight on the final day.
He could make an immediate return to the Premier League, with Villa interested in his signature.
Talks between Villa and Bayern are still in the early stages, but Viadagany refused to give up too many details with no agreement in place.
"We are in talks, but there is currently no agreement," he told Bild.
"If something should happen, it is always on the basis of the great respect we feel for FC Bayern.
"We are friendly clubs; our relationship with Max Eberl [Bayern's director of sport], Christoph Freund [Bayern sporting director] and all other responsible persons is excellent.
"Therefore, I cannot and do not want to comment on any further details."
Villa is looking for midfield reinforcements, having let Youri Tielemans join Manchester United already during the current transfer window.
Amadou Onana is also sidelined after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
