Villa in talks to sign Bayern's Palhinha

Aston Villa are in advanced negotiations with Bayern Munich to sign midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to BBC Sport. The 31-year-old Portuguese international has become a priority target for the Villans following the serious knee injury suffered by Amadou Onana while playing for Belgium at the World Cup.

Sources close to the player say he has yet to make a final decision but is open to a move to Villa Park, which ranks among his best options. Bayern are willing to let him leave two years after signing him for £47.4 million from Fulham. Palhinha spent last season on loan at Tottenham, but the London club decided against activating their £26 million purchase option.

"Joao Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans," said Damian Vidagany, Villa's director of football, to German media. "We are in talks, but there is currently no agreement. If something were to happen, it would always be based on the great respect we have for Bayern." The comments came after Villa's 2-1 pre-season defeat to Bayern in Hong Kong, where Palhinha featured as a substitute.