Aston Villa transfer chief Damian Viadagany confirmed the club are 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, with his goal ensuring the club stayed in the top-flight on the final day.
Palhinha won his team five points via goals scored in the Premier League in 2025-26; it was the joint-most by any player for Spurs (also five for Richarlison).
And 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, though 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 are looking for midfield reinforcements, having let Youri Tielemans join Manchester United already this window. Amadou Onana is also sidelined after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury at the World Cup.
