Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Joao Palhinha could make a return to the Premier League this season, with two clubs keen on securing his signature.Tottenham Hotspur found themselves in a relegation battle last season, but the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi proved to be the turning point in their campaign.But Joao Palhinha’s involvement in the business end of the season cannot be understated, as he played a major role in Spurs’ fight against the drop.Palhinha scored the only goal in Tottenham’s final game of the league season against Everton, a victory that ultimately kept Spurs in the Premier League.Credit: @thefrederikkejensen / InstagramAston Villa and Newcastle enter race to sign Joao PalhinhaThe Portuguese midfielder has now returned to his parent club after Tottenham failed to reach an agreement with Bayern Munich to sign him permanently, despite De Zerbi being keen on retaining the former Fulham man.The 31-year-old, however, remains subject to significant transfer interest as he searches for a new club this summer.A return to the Premier League remains on the cards for Palhinha, according to TeamTalk. The publication claims that there is interest in the Portuguese midfielder from both Aston Villa and Newcastle United.Bayern are said to be looking to sell Palhinha permanently, but Villa are exploring a loan move as they search for cover for the injured Amadou Onana.Newcastle are also in search of a holding midfielder and have been linked with former Spurs man Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, but Palhinha is another option under consideration.There was interest in Palhinha from Portugal, but the finances involved in securing an agreement with Bayern have proven to be a major obstacle for the likes of Sporting, FC Porto and Benfica.Villa emerge as favourites as talks with Bayern Munich progressVilla are tipped as favourites to land the former Tottenham midfielder this summer transfer window. That is according to BBC Sport, who report that Unai Emery’s side are already in talks with Bayern Munich over a possible deal.However, it is explained that Palhinha is yet to make a decision on his next steps but remains open to a move to Villa Park.Speaking about the Palhinha links, Villa’s director said: “Joao Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans.“We are in talks, but there is currently no agreement. If something were to happen, it would always be based on the great respect we have for Bayern.”READ MORE: Tottenham receive good news and bad news in pursuit of Real Madrid loan dealThe post Tottenham’s saviour from last season could be set for Aston Villa switch appeared first on Spurs Web.