Benfica: Bayern Open to Lowering Palhinha Price

Benfica continues to eye João Palhinha as their prime midfield reinforcement, and signals from Germany this Tuesday are boosting their hopes of securing the deal.

According to Bild, the Portuguese international defensive midfielder is not in Bayern Munich's plans for the upcoming season, despite reporting for duty in Munich on Monday. Bayern is reportedly open to lowering their asking price for a transfer.

The 31-year-old spent last season on loan at Tottenham, where he made 45 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing two assists. However, the English club sought to renegotiate the €30 million buy-option. Bayern rejected this and had previously set a €25 million valuation for the player's permanent move. Now, unwilling to risk having a frozen asset, Bild reports that the German giants are prepared to negotiate below that figure.

Aston Villa has shown significant interest in João Palhinha, but Benfica remains confident in their ability to sign him. They are banking on the midfielder's desire to return to Portugal and his strong relationship with Marco Silva, the current Benfica coach, who previously managed Palhinha at Fulham.

Benfica, likely only able to table a loan-with-option-to-buy proposal, faces competition, notably from Aston Villa, who have already initiated contact with Bayern.