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Former Tottenham midfielder attracting interest from Newcastle United. Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Joao Palhinha is out of Vincent Kompany’s project at Bayern Munich. He has been placed on the chopping block by the chief decision-makers at the Allianz Arena, making it clear the 31-year-old is not a part of their future plans. Bayern Munich had hoped that Tottenham would trigger the buy option in Joao Palhinha’s contract after his loan spell. However, the North London club decided not to take up an option after the big-money signings of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. The Bundesliga giants have, thus, been left scrambling for alternative buyers. Aston Villa have emerged as an option as they rebuild their midfield this summer. The Villans have sold star midfielder Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, while Amadou Onana is out for the foreseeable future due to an ACL injury sustained at this summer’s World Cup. Such developments have weakened their midfield unit, and Unai Emery has identified Palhinha as an option to fill that void. Recent reports suggest Aston Villa have agreed personal terms with Palhinha. However, Villa are set to face competition from one of their Premier League rivals for the Portuguese international’s signature. Newcastle United step up interest in Joao Palhinha According to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs on X, Newcastle United are stepping up interest in Palhinha and are ready to sign him on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich. The defensive midfielder had favoured a move to Villa, but the German champions refused to accept a loan proposal. Bayern only want a permanent transfer as they want to recoup part of their outlay with the player in the latter stage of his deal. After missing out on Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Newcastle United have opened talks with Bayern Munich to sign Palhinha. Last season with Tottenham, Palhinha played 45 matches in all competitions, scoring seven goals and supplying two assists. The Portuguese star was decisive for Spurs in the final stretch of the Premier League, scoring the most important goal against Everton on the final day of the season that clinched our safety in the top flight. Whilst limited in possession, the 31-year-old’s qualities off the ball, strength and aerial ability would benefit the Magpies. He would bring a lot of valuable experience to Matthias Jaissle’s squad that has lost Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon. Palhinha’s passion, leadership qualities and fight would rub off on his teammates at St James’ Park if a deal happens. Now attention turns to whether the ex-Tottenham man is open to joining Newcastle.