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Bayern Munich chief goes public with Joao Palhinha update as Newcastle United three-year deal claim made Newcastle United transfers: Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha could be on the move again this summer amid Premier League transfer interest. Newcastle United are assessing other midfield targets after missing out on Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The Magpies were in talks to sign the 31-year-old but were unable to agree personal terms with the player. But another 31-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is also on Newcastle’s radar following the sale of Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal. Joao Palhinha spent last season on loan at Spurs from Bayern Munich, making 45 appearances in all competitions. The Portuguese international joined Bayern from Fulham for £47.4 million in July 2024 after two seasons at Craven Cottage. But after struggling to establish himself as a regular with the Bundesliga giants, has been made available to leave the club in each of the last two summers. Spurs didn’t make his loan move permanent at the end of the 2025/26 season and ended up moving to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United for around £100million instead. Suggestions of Palhinha joining Newcastle were played down to The Gazette last week, with Aston Villa also monitoring the midfielder’s situation. Villa pushed to strike a loan deal with the player keen on the proposed move, but Bayern are keen to agree a permanent exit. And Bayern director, Max Eberl has now gone public on the situation regarding Villa. “Aston Villa have contacted us for Joao Palhinha but there’s no agreement,” Eberl said. “The deal is currently off.” In theory, that gives Newcastle the opportunity to hijack a potential move, much like Villa did with Johan Manzambi earlier in the window. MARCA have reported that Newcastle have offered a three-year deal to Palhinha as Bayern push for a permanent sale. But Portuguese club Benfica have also been linked with the midfielder and are understood to be in pole position to strike a deal. Newcastle are currently in talks with Benfica to agree a deal for 23-year-old full-back Amar Dedic.