Newcastle United are looking to strengthen their squad further after making major changes during the summer transfer window.
The Magpies have lost several important players, leaving new manager Matthias Jaissle with significant gaps to address before the season begins.
Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have both left St James’ Park, creating an obvious need for more experience in midfield.
Newcastle have already signed Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur. However, both are young players and the club continue to explore further additions.
The Magpies could now take advantage of another Premier League club’s difficulties in completing a midfield deal.
Aston Villa have spent time working on a transfer with Bayern Munich but have failed to reach an agreement with the German champions.
Villa wanted a loan deal with an option to buy. However, Bayern have refused that structure because they only want a permanent sale.
According to Sport Witness, Newcastle United have now launched a hijack attempt to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha and offered him a three-year contract.
The 31-year-old had already agreed personal terms with Aston Villa before negotiations between the two clubs broke down.
Bayern director Max Eberl confirmed that Villa contacted the German club. But he also made clear that an agreement would not happen under their proposed terms.
Newcastle have therefore entered the race at an important stage of the transfer saga.
Their three-year contract offer also indicates that the Magpies are working towards a permanent transfer rather than pursuing Villa’s proposed loan structure.
However, Palhinha has not yet accepted Newcastle’s offer. The midfielder knows he has no future under Vincent Kompany at Bayern, who have asked him to find another club.
Therefore, Newcastle must now convince Palhinha while also reaching an agreement with Bayern Munich.
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