Aston Villa are currently in discussions to acquire Joao Palhinha, the Bayern Munich midfielder. The interest in the Portugal international, aged 31, arises following the serious injury to Amadou Onana, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear during the World Cup while representing Belgium.

Sources indicate that Palhinha remains undecided but is considering a move to Villa Park, seen as one of his top options. Bayern Munich is open to letting him go after signing him for £47.4 million from Fulham just two years ago.

Last season, Palhinha spent time on loan at Tottenham, who chose not to activate their £26 million buy option. Despite Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi expressing interest in Palhinha for his pivotal role in keeping the club away from relegation, an agreement with Bayern could not be reached.

Damian Vidagany, Aston Villa's director of football, commented to Bild on Friday, stating, "Joao Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans. 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."

This statement follows Villa's recent 2-1 defeat to Bayern in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong, where Palhinha appeared as a substitute. The summer has been eventful for Unai Emery’s Europa League-winning team, with notable departures including Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, and Lucas Digne to Paris St-Germain, highlighting the club's urgent need for reinforcements.