Newcastle in talks to sign Joao Palhinha - Sky Sports

The Joao Palhinha links had gone quiet since he was initially named as a target earlier this month.

Aston Villa had been backed to sign the former Fulham and Spurs star, but with that move now collapsing, the door has reopened for Newcastle United.

Pierre Emile Hojbjerg has turned down a move to Tyneside, and it looks like Matthias Jaissle and Ross Wilson have turned their attention back to Palhinha in our search for an experienced midfielder able to bring leadership to the group.

Toon open Palhinha talks

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle United are in talks over a permanent move for Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha. 

The 31-year-old is thought to be 'reassessing his options' after his proposed loan move to Aston Villa broke down. Benfica have been linked, but reports suggest he is keen to secure a move back to the Premier League.

Palhinha was at Spurs last season, where he brought fight and steel, but looked limited in possession. With that in mind, his arrival would bring passion and leadership to the side, certainly not the creative spark we've lost following Bruno Guimaraes' sale.

Today’s loss to Leverkusen with Lewis Miley and Sean Steur in the holding role showed one thing; we need to be more physical and tough to play against. Joelinton certainly brings that to the table, but he'll now miss at least the next few weeks through injury, upping the need for a battler like Palhinha.

Palhinha could add the experience we need

Wages may be an issue and he's not long turned 31, but the club are desperate for leaders to guide this young squad following Bruno and Kieran Trippier's departures.

With young, talented but inexperienced options like Steur and Bamba still learning their trade, Palhinha may have plenty to offer Jaissle both on and off the pitch.

One glaring issue is the rumour that he would be offered a three-year deal, although a tempting contract may be what it takes if he has other tempting proposals on the table.