Revealed: West Ham told £50m Joao Palhinha offer will be accepted
West Ham will have to offer between £50-60million to tempt Fulham to part with star midfielder Joao Palhinha, sources have told Football Insider.
The Cottagers are desperate to keep hold of the 27-year-old after his sensational first season in English football.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (9 June) that West Ham have made Palhinha their top summer target as they prepare for life without Declan Rice.
A well-placed source has told this site that the Irons believe the midfielder is the “perfect replacement” for their outgoing captain.
This site revealed on Saturday (10 June) that Rice has told West Ham and Mikel Arteta that he wants to sign for Arsenal after ending the 2022-23 campaign with Europa Conference League victory in Prague.
It is believed the Irons will face competition for Palhinha from several other clubs, with Aston Villa long-term admirers of the former Sporting CP star.
Liverpool, Chelsea, Man United and Bayern Munich have monitored his situation – but top European clubs have since cooled their interest in the midfielder and will now pursue alternative targets.
Palhinha scored four goals across 40 games in all competitions and recorded some of the best tackling and interception stats in the Premier League.
Sources say West Ham hope their offer of Europa League group stage football will give them the edge over rivals in the race for the 27-year-old’s signature.
The Cottagers are holding out for a huge profit on the Palhinha after signing him from Sporting CP for a reported £20million in 2022.
In other news, Celtic ready sensational move for West Ham man.