Aston Villa are now said to be eyeing a proven Premier League commodity as they contemplate further improving their midfield. Unai Emery was dealt a big blow ahead of the new season by Manchester United, who snapped up Youri Tielemans after paying his £36million release clause.
The Belgian midfielder was crucial to Villa's success, but they must continue on, and it looks like Johan Manzambi will be recruited to plug the midfield gap. But there could yet be more to come in the midfield, with Emery well aware of the serious depth he needs ahead of a Champions League campaign.
Aston Villa could move for Joao Palhinha
Villa are now being linked with a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, who is up for sale this summer. Palhinha enjoyed a superb spell at Fulham to earn a £50million move to Bayern, but things did not work out in Germany. A loan spell with Tottenham followed last term, and while Spurs had a disastrous campaign, Palhinha was one of the most reliable players.
Despite that, Tottenham did not take up their £26million or so option to buy due to spending big money on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, meaning Palhinha remains available and very much up for sale.
According to Record, Benfica are targeting the Portuguese midfielder as they look to kick-start life post José Mourinho, but Villa are named as the Lisbon side's main competitors, especially after Tielemans' departure.
It's claimed Bayern will sell for £21.2million this summer, and Benfica are willing to pay, but they would prefer a loan deal with the obligation to buy, which could open the door for Villa, who could comfortably pay upfront.
Palhinha a universally praised midfielder
Palhinha has been a steady performer throughout his career, and back in 2023, then Fulham boss Marco Silva said: "He leads through his attitude, he's not the most vocal guy and he's improving his English as well. I want him to be more vocal and in that position it's important. His attitude, his commitment, the way he leads the others around are things that are hard to find in football.
"In moments (when) we lose the ball, his reaction is impressive and we want to take the best from him and in other moments we want him to keep improving. We won the ball in a high area and our players took the right decisions. Then, the finish from Joao was great."
Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi, who ultimately changed his mind on signing Palhinha, said late last season: "We have to start from this type of person. We need reliable people as well as reliable players and Palhinha is one of the best. I want to see players with the same attitude, with the same passion, with the same spirit and personality. We are lucky to have Palhinha with us."