West Ham United have joined the race for Joao Palhinha as they eye an ambitious summer raid for the Fulham star.
Joao Palhinha is emerging as a top target for West Ham United as they consider possible replacements for Declan Rice.
That is according to a report from The Guardian, who claim that West Ham fancy luring Palhinha across London.
The 27-year-old only joined Fulham from Sporting last summer, making a £20million move to Craven Cottage.
Palhinha has been outstanding this season and West Ham are now paying very close attention.
Arsenal are keen on signing Declan Rice this summer, a move which would leave West Ham with a huge hole to fill in midfield.
Rice will go for huge money this summer, surely at least £70million, which should give West Ham cash to reinvest.
They would need to forgot a huge portion of any Rice fee for Palhinha though – and even that might not be enough to land him.
West Ham target Joao Palhinha is wanted elsewhere
Palhinha has been so good this season that a number of other clubs are interested in the Portugal international.
The Daily Mail reported in April that Liverpool are particularly keen on signing Palhinha after a superb season.
Fabinho hasn’t been at his best this season and that has opened up the possibility of Liverpool signing a new holding midfielder.
Palhinha has been one of the best Premier League players in that role this season, protecting the Fulham back four and controlling the midfield masterfully.
Former Liverpool and Fulham man Danny Murphy has hailed Palhinha as ‘absolutely phenomenal’, a view echoed by all who have seen him this season.
West Ham’s pursuit is bold and feels unlikely to pay off, but they would be landing a huge coup if they can beat Liverpool to Palhinha.
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