Aston Villa have agreed personal terms with 'quality' player, he's 'perfect' for Champions League - Keith Wyness
Aston Villa are making a "sensible" move by trying to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha.
That is according to former Villa chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that a loan deal with an option to buy would be a "great" fit for both the club and the player.
The Villans have already agreed personal terms with Palhinha over the move, and are closing in on being able to add him to Unai Emery's squad.
Wyness believes that the 31-year-old's continental experience makes him a "perfect" option to bolster Villa's group for their return to the Champions League.
The veteran made eight appearances in the competition during a loan spell at Tottenham last term, and has also previously represented both Bayern and Sporting in Europe.
However, Villa currently have a slight issue to overcome, with Florian Plettenberg reporting that Bayern currently prefer a permanent deal, rather than the initial loan proposed by Villa.
Aston Villa 'managing spending limit' with Joao Palhinha deal
Villa's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Villa Park between 2016 and 2018 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that Palhinha is also a shrewd move financially.
The second city outfit are toeing the line in terms of their SCR standing once again, and Wyness feels it makes sense for them to avoid "splashing" any cash on Palhinha straight away.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he made it clear that the Portuguese would be a good addition if Villa can get the deal done.
"It's one of those things that Villa have got to do given they're flirting with the old limit of spending as we've talked about many times," Wyness said.
"But also if they are going to splash out, this is the great try before you buy situation in terms of a loan. He's a quality player and I think he might help them in Europe considerably.
"He's a perfect squad player for the Champions League. I think that's a very good move from Villa and as I say, I think they'll have a chance to see whether he really can develop before they have to splash out any real cash.
"So all in favour of that one, it's a good positive sign for Villa, so yeah a sensible move if they can get it done."
Aston Villa 'doing everything' to stop Ezri Konsa exit
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Villa are "doing everything they can" to prevent centre-back Ezri Konsa from joining Arsenal.
Emery and Co. have placed a £60million valuation on the England defender, and are also working on a potential new contract in a bid to tie him down.
However, sources say that the idea of a move to the Emirates Stadium is seen as being "attractive" by Konsa, with the Gunners hoping to compete for trophies on every front once again.
Villa are adamant that he will only be sold if their valuation is met in full, and Mikel Arteta's side remain short of that at the moment.