How Joao Palhinha's arrival can force Aston Villa into sale to avoid awkward dressing room encounter

Joao Palhinha has some bridges to build if he is to swap Bayern Munich for Aston Villa.

Unai Emery has revealed how keen he is to add to his squad before the end of the window.

That looks set to see Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki come through the door at Bodymoor Heath within days.

Business doesn't look likely to be done with those two as reinforcing the midfield is also on the agenda.

The Portugal international has been a target throughout the summer and continues to be linked with a B6 switch.

Palhinha could prove to be a top signing at Villa Park, but it could force a current claret and blue star to move on.

Why Joao Palhinha could force Ollie Watkins out of Aston Villa

It's safe to say that the 31-year-old was an unpopular figure throughout the whole of last season.

That certainly wasn't helped when he turned up to the Midlands in May, put in a stellar performance and secured a victory for Tottenham.

His status within the Holte End was already at rock bottom for the way he behaved as the Villans secured a third round FA Cup victory away to the Lilywhites in January.

Emery's men ran out 2-1 winners in a result that didn't go down well with Palhinha.

Ollie Watkins celebrated the victory infront of the midfielder and he saw red.

The ex-Fulham man pushed the striker before pushing his head into the back of the Villa man's before giving him another shove towards the advertising hoardings.

Morgan Rogers and Lamare Bogarde quickly stepped in, but it's clear there would be no love lost between Watkins and Palhinha if the latter moves to B6.

With the England international already linked with an exit, a move could now make sense to avoid any awkward conversations.

When could Palhinha join Aston Villa?

This saga refuses to go away as the 1995-born ace continues to be linked with B6.

The potential of a move had seemed to be off the cards as Bayern Munich stood firm on the fact they wanted a permanent deal rather than a loan.

Villa only want to bring the defensive midfielder on loan and have made that clear.

The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the Villans are confident of finalising an agreement and have resumed talks to get a done.

It feels unlikely that arrangements will be secured before the Premier League opener away to Brighton, but a move looks to be possible before the window slams shut.

The question will be, if Palhinha comes in, what does that mean for Watkins at Bodymoor Heath?