Aston Villa 'to make' loan offer for João Palhinha as Benfica chase Marco Silva target | OneFootball

Benfica are pushing to sign João Palhinha on loan, but Aston Villa, the current Europa League champions, have entered the race and could outmuscle them financially.

A Bola reports that, after Youri Tielemans' move to Manchester United and a serious right-knee injury to Amadou Onana, Villa will submit a loan offer with an option to buy to Bayern Munich for the 31-year-old.

Villa can offer more attractive terms than Benfica. Champions League football and the chance to remain in the Premier League are factors the midfielder may weigh.

Even so, Palhinha is considering a move to Benfica for personal and sporting reasons. He wants to return to Portugal to be closer to family, and he has a strong bond with Marco Silva after two seasons together at Fulham in 2022/23 and 2023/24.

Palhinha is Silva's preferred defensive midfield target. Rui Costa is willing to make a financial effort to meet his manager's request, and the club also want a centre-back, a winger and a striker.

Source: Glorioso 1904