Henri Lansbury reveals how Joao Palhinha can be upgrade on ex-Aston Villa teammate
Henri Lansbury sees Joao Palhinha as the experienced head Aston Villa need.
The Villans are continuing their efforts to add midfield depth to their squad after a double blow.
Amadou Onana tore his ACL with Belgium at the World Cup and then Youri Tielemans completed a surprise move to Manchester United.
That left Unai Emery in need of reinforcements and the claret and blue outfit haven't waited around.
Johan Manzambi has already come through the doors and Joao Gomes isn't far behind from Wolves.
Palhinha is another target who could complete a move that could mark an immediate step up in quality.
Henri Lansbury gives Joao Palhinha edge over departed Aston Villa ace
The absence of Onana will certainly take its toll on the B6 outfit if they don't adequately replace him.
That could see a move for Palhinha make total sense, as previously covered by Villa News.
The Portugal international looks likely to leave Bayern Munich again this summer and could be on his way to Bodymoor Heath on loan.
Former Villa midfielder Lansbury believes he would be a positive addition and marks a step up from his ex-colleague Douglas Luiz after his loan return last season.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Lansbury said: "The injury to Onana is a big upset, I think he's been brilliant for Villa.
"To bring Palhinha in would hopefully sure up that part of the pitch. There aren't many more experienced players in his position, so that's another positive for Villa.
"They haven't been negative in this window. Douglas [Luiz] brought his own thing, Palhinha might edge it on experience. Douglas is quality, but Palhinha brings that experience in that core area of the pitch."
How much could Aston Villa pay for Palhinha?
The 31-year-old might be seen as an underwhelming option, but does what he says on the tin.
He is a tough-tackling, brute force in the middle of the park and could play a useful role under Emery.
Should he join on loan, his price will likely come as another plus point.
Palhinha joined Tottenham a year ago and the North Londoners paid a loan fee of just £4.3million.
They covered his full wage which is reported to be around £8.7m, so for £13m they got themselves a massively experienced midfielder for the year.
If Villa could pay a fee at that price or below for the Portugal international, Lansbury may see his hopes come true in claret and blue.