Newcastle United’s pursuit of a veteran midfielder remains unsettled after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg rejected a move to Tyneside on Monday.
Now, conflicting reports have emerged over where the Magpies stand in the race for fellow veteran midfielder and Bayern Munich player Joao Palhinha.
CaughtOffside reported on Tuesday that Newcastle is “stepping up talks” to sign the 31-year-old. Football Fancast, citing sources, describes Premier League rival Aston Villa as being in “pole position” to sign him.
“According
to Football FanCast sources, Aston Villa are indeed stepping up their efforts to sign Palhinha from Vincent Kompany’s side, who are ready to sell on a permanent basis for around €25m (£21.4m),” the outlet reported. “Villa are now at the front of the queue and in pole position to sign Palhinha, despite interest from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.”
The story doesn’t end there, mind you.
Sister site Bavarian Football Works’ CSmith1919 did an impressive job covering the story from Bayern’s side, citing Sky Germany’s Kerry Hau reporting that three clubs, not just two, are seriously pursuing Palhinha: Newcastle, Aston Villa and Benfica.
“There is much to suggest that João Palhinha will leave Bayern in the near future. He has now accepted that he no longer has any significant prospects under Kompany and is now very concretely engaging with offers from other clubs.
“Three clubs are desperate to sign him: Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Benfica. On top of that, there are further inquiries from international clubs. Palhinha is short of no options. Villa can hold out great hopes for a signing, as they also play in the Champions League.
Villa coach Unai Emery has already signaled to me that he plans to fully include him. Palhinha has not yet made a final decision for himself.”
Bayern, according to The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell and Seb Stafford-Bloor, is reportedly seeking around €30 million (£26 million) to sanction Palhinha’s departure, either through a permanent transfer or an option attached to a loan.
“Aston Villa have been in negotiations over a loan deal for João Palhinha for nearly a month, having wanted to recruit in that position following the long-term injury to Amadou Onana. Bayern are currently asking for a fee of €30m, either to facilitate a permanent transfer or as part of an option at the end of the loan.”
Finally, Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas provided another indication that Villa may actually be ahead, reporting that “Joao Palhinha is increasingly interested in a move to Aston Villa.”
“Discussions have been ongoing between Villa and Bayern over a potential loan,” Thomas reported. “Bayern prefer to sell Palhinha but – with the player understood to be increasingly determined to go to there – Villa are hoping for a breakthrough. Benfica remain interested in bringing him back to Lisbon to play for his former boss at Fulham Marco Silva. Sporting CP have also been interested this summer. But Palhinha is likely to get the best deal for himself at Villa.“
Meanwhile, Villa director of football operations Damian Vidagany already made clear the club’s stance on Palhinha and confirmed negotiations with the club and player, but stressed nothing is completed.
“Joao Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans,” Vidagany told Bild on Friday. “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.”
Who do you think ultimately lands Palhinha—Newcastle or Villa? Would you keep fighting for the Portugal international, or move on to another target? Let us know below!
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account at Coming Home Newcastle and get:
- Create community posts for everyone to read
- Comment on articles and community posts
- Rec comments and community posts
- Enjoy a new, improved notifications system
- Fewer ads
