Leon Goretzka in talks to join Premier League club on a free transfer after leaving Bayern Munich

Former Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka could be on his way to the Premier League after talks began, according to reports.

Goretzka joined Bayern in 2018 after leaving Schalke and has gone on to play 312 times for the Bavarians, scoring 51 goals from midfield and winning seven Bundesliga titles.

He left at the end of last season after it was announced back in January that his contract would not be extended at the Allianz Arena.

Goretzka has been a free agent since 30 June and was part of Julian Nagelsmann's Germany World Cup squad.

He is yet to find a new club but there have now been developments regarding his future, with claims that Aston Villa are looking to a deal for the midfielder.

According to talkSPORT, Villa were looking to sign Joao Palhinha - who played with Goretzka at Bayern.

However, the Portugal international, who spent last season on loan at Spurs, has linked up with Marco Silva at Benfica.

READ MORE: Aston Villa immediately identify surprise Ezri Konsa replacement after Arsenal strike £50m agreement

They have now set their sights on the experienced Goretzka, with journalist Matteo Moretto also reporting that they are in talks.

Goretzka is still only 31 and injury-free, making him an attractive proposition even if his wages are unlikely to be low.

Villa are in need of midfield reinforcements, having allowed Youri Tielemans to join Manchester United in a £35 million switch.

They did replace the Belgium international with Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes but there has been a push for a new player in the position after compatriot Amadou Onana suffered an ACL injury in the World Cup.

Boubacar Kamara, Lamare Bogarde, Victor Lindelof and Ross Barkley are the other midfield options available to Unai Emery currently.

But Goretzka, a proven winner, would appear to be a solid addition to the Villa squad and a fine fit for English football given his physicality.

Who have Aston Villa signed this summer?

As is often the case each summer, Villa have offloaded a number of key players in Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne.

But as well as Gomes, the Europa League winners have brought in a raft of new signings for their return to the Champions League.

They brought in Switzerland international Johan Manzambi from SC Freiburg for £52 million, as well as Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid.

Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki also signed from Parma after a move to Paris Saint-Germain fell through and both Alejandro Garnacho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have joined on loan from Chelsea and West Ham respectively.

Exciting youngsters George Hemmings and Brian Madjo are expected to have important roles this season - with the latter scoring in the UEFA Super Cup against PSG.