Joao Palhinha has completed a return to his native Portugal after joining Benfica from Bayern Munich on a permanent four-year contract.
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has ruled out Joao Palhinha joining Aston Villa, insisting there is "no chance of an agreement" between the clubs.
Aston Villa are pushing to complete a deal for Joao Palhinha and have stepped up their efforts to sign the Bayern Munich midfielder, following his stint at Tottenham last season.
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has confirmed that Joao Palhinha, Sacha Boey and Bryan Zaragoza are all expected to leave the club this transfer window if suitable offers arrive.
Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has admitted it is "tough" to discuss Joao Palhinha's long-term future at Tottenham Hotspur while the club remain locked in a relegation battle.
Tottenham continued their perfect start to the season with a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City, prompting goal scorers Joao Palhinha and Brennan Johnson to heap praise on new head coach Thomas Frank.