Aston Villa have been linked with Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Palhinha is expected to leave Bayern this summer after spending last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur.
Villa sporting director Damian Vidagany has confirmed that the club are in talks with Bayern over Palhinha.
“We need a player for midfield because Amadou Onana is out for the entire season – and Joao Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans,” he told Bild.
“We are in talks, but there is currently no agreement. If something should happen, it will always be on the basis of the great respect we have for FC Bayern.
“We are friendly clubs; our relationship with Max Eberl, Christoph Freund and all the other people in charge is excellent. That’s why I can’t and don’t want to comment on any further details.”
Bayern are looking to sell Palhinha and have set an asking price of €25 million (£21m) for the Portuguese midfielder, but Villa reportedly consider the fee as prohibitive.
The two clubs have also discussed a loan-plus-option-to-buy, but they have been unable to reach an agreement on the terms.
Youri Tielemans’ departure to Manchester United has raised the need for Villa to strengthen their midfield.
They have already signed Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes, but are expected to sign one more midfielder before the end of the transfer window.
Palhinha would add defensive solidity to Villa’s midfield while providing a goal threat. The 31-year-old ranked first for tackles per game in the Premier League last season, and he registered seven goal involvements in the competition.
That said, Villa should consider signing Palhinha on a loan due to his limitations in possession and his age.
Stats from Sofascore
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