Aston Villa transfer for Joao Palhinha ‘falls through’ as Newcastle ‘ready to hijack move to land former Tottenham star’

NEWCASTLE are poised to attempt to hijack Aston Villa’s move for Joao Palhinha. The former Tottenham Hotspur star’s future with German giants Bayern Munich is up in the air, with club and player thought to be open to a summer exit. Newcastle are set to try and hijack Aston Villa’s swoop for Joao Palhinha Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle needs midfield reinforcements Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Villa appeared frontrunners for the 31-year-old’s signature, having opened talks over a loan with an option to buy. But the Bundesliga champions have now confirmed that the approach fell through. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! They are not believed to be interested in a loan, or even a loan with an obligation to buy, and are instead looking for up-front cash for a permanent transfer. Bayern’s director of sport Max Eberl revealed on Friday: “Aston Villa contacted us about Joao Palhinha, but we haven’t found an agreement.” The developments have left the door open for Newcastle to swoop in with an offer. Reports from Diego Pico suggest that the Magpies are ready to table a permanent transfer offer for the star, per Marca. They are offering the Portugal international a three-year contract if they can agree a fee for his services. A hijacking by Newcastle would represent a reversal of the two sides’ roles earlier this season. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS The North-East outfit were chasing a move for World Cup star Johan Manzambi this summer, and seemed to be making progress on a deal. But then Villa stepped in a secured his signature, leaving Newcastle in the cold and still in the hunt for a much-needed midfield option. The loss of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes this summer has left the side in desperate need of midfield reinforcements, with Palhinha’s Premier League history with Spurs and Fulham offering a dependable replacement. Now new boss Matthias Jaissle will have to try his best to get some replacements through the door in quick time, with their season opener just eight days away. Comment now