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West Ham United are preparing to make a bid for Fulham star Joao Palhinha.
That’s according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who shares more details on the Portuguese international’s future.
Joao Palhinha was one of the best signings in the Premier League last summer.
Brought in for £20m from Sporting CP, he completely transformed Fulham’s midfield.
Alongside Harrison Reed, he created a partnership that helped Marco Silva’s side easily record a top-half finish.
Much has been made of Palhinha’s defensive contributions to Fulham’s play.
He recorded more successful tackles than any player in Europe, although he picked up his fair share of bookings too.
What goes unnoticed is his excellent range of long passing and ability to score some incredible goals.
With West Ham looking likely to lose captain Declan Rice this summer, they’ve identified Fulham star Palhinha as their top target to replace him.
They would be some huge shoes to fill at the London Stadium.
But, he’s one of the few players in the league who might be capable of doing so.
West Ham want Fulham star Palhinha
Posting on Twitter, Romano said: “West Ham are preparing their first approach for João Palhinha. Not an easy deal with Fulham but he’s top of the list for West Ham to replace Declan Rice.
“Edson Alvarez remains in list but Borussia Dortmund are pushing to agree personal terms after proposal sent.”
It’s hard to see why Fulham would let Joao Palhinha join West Ham this summer.
The 27-year-old still has four years left on the contract he signed less than 12 months ago.
The Hammers can offer Palhinha a chance to play European football next season that Fulham can’t.
However, domestically Fulham outperformed the Hammers and were unlucky in both games the two teams played against each other last season.
If a Champions League-level club came in for Palhinha, Fulham fans would be hard-pressed to deny him that move.
The club are likely to demand a huge fee for the Portuguese given his importance to the team.
The problem West Ham face in replacing Rice, Fulham would also struggle with if Palhinha left.
After Tony Khan confirmed on Twitter he had no release clause, it could be a difficult deal for David Moyes’s side to negotiate.
