Bayern Munich confirm transfer talks as Newcastle United plot Bruno Guimaraes replacement
The latest transfer talk from Newcastle United as the summer transfer window approaches its final fortnight.
Bayern Munich sporting Max Eberl has admitted the Bundesliga champions are in talks over the possible departure of Newcastle United transfer target Joao Palhinha - but described the discussions as ‘a long process’.
The Magpies are rapidly closing in on a reported £30m deal for Benfica full-back Amar Dedic and the Bosnia & Herzegovina international is expected to undergo a medical on Tyneside on Sunday before wrapping up the formalities of a move that will see him become the sixth new addition to United’s first-team ranks during the summer transfer window.
Magpies head coach Matthis Jaissle refused to be draw on talk over the move in the aftermath of Saturday’s friendly defeat against Bayer Leverkusen, saying: “I think it's not the right time to talk about positions and names. So I don't step into rumours. Not at this stage.”
A midfielder is believed to be next on the agenda for the Magpies and they have reportedly turned their focus towards former Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur star Palhinha after a move for Marseille’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg faltered last week. Portugal international Palhinha, who has also been linked with a loan move to Aston Villa in recent weeks, spent last season on loan at Spurs and scored the goal that confirmed the North London club had avoided a shock relegation from the Premier League in a narrow win against Everton on the final day of the campaign.
A quickfire return to English football could be on the cards after reports suggested Bayern had offered the midfielder to Newcastle in recent weeks - and although he did not mention Newcastle as his potential destination, Eberl has now revealed discussions are ongoing about Palhinha’s possible exit.
As quoted by Portuguese outlet A Bola, he said: "There are negotiations and they are negotiations that can lead to a transfer. Therefore, we didn't want to take risks. It's a long process, if I can describe it that way. Without being able to announce something already. There is absolutely nothing to point to João and Sacha Boey. They give 100% and are absolutely professional. In João's case, the situation is already a little more advanced, and that's why we acted this way."
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