Aston Villa transfer target João Palhinha has returned to Germany for Bayern Munich's pre-season training, but the midfielder remained tight-lipped about his future amid ongoing speculation linking him with a move to Villa Park.
Palhinha's Cautious Comments
Speaking at the airport upon his arrival in Munich, the 31-year-old Portugal international said: "I'm going back to Bayern, you know. It's been quite a saga, but I'm a Bayern player at the moment. We'll see. I'm not going to talk. I respect your work, as you know, but I don't want to talk now." He added: "I will return [to Portugal]. I don't know if it's now, but I will return. Benfica? I don't know, we'll see."
Villa's Midfield Plans
Unai Emery is keen to bring Palhinha to Villa Park on loan as he looks to replace Amadou Onana, who suffered an ACL rupture during the World Cup and is expected to miss most, if not all, of next season. Johan Manzambi has already been confirmed as Villa's first signing of the summer, while João Gomes is expected to follow shortly. Boubacar Kamara returns from injury for pre-season, while Youri Tielemans departed for Manchester United after his £35 million release clause was activated.
Transfer Talks Ongoing
Villa have been in talks with Bayern over a possible transfer for Palhinha, and those discussions will continue to find an agreement. The 31-year-old spent last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, but a move to either Villa or Benfica has been mooted this summer.
