Sources: Fulham tell West Ham new Joao Palhinha price
Fulham star Joao Palhinha remains the top target for West Ham as they prepare for life without Arsenal-bound midfielder Declan Rice, sources have told Football Insider.
Rice, 24, is expected to join the Gunners with the two London clubs reportedly agreeing a £105million fee for his services.
West Ham have now turned their attention to replacing the midfield star with the 2023-24 season now on the horizon.
However, a well-placed source has told Football Insider that the Irons could now be “priced out” of a move for top target Palhinha.
It is believed Fulham are asking for a fee of £60million for the Portugal international – an outlay which would represent a new club record for West Ham.
Palhinha has four years left to run on his contract at Craven Cottage and the west London outfit are keen to make a healthy profit after signing him for a reported £20million in 2022.
The midfielder scored four goals across 40 games in all competitions last term and recorded some of the best tackling and interception stats in the Premier League.
Liverpool, Chelsea, Man United and Bayern Munich have monitored his situation following his brilliant first season in England – but top European clubs have since cooled their interest in the midfielder and will now pursue alternative targets.
Palhinha currently earns a reported wage of £50,000-a-week at Fulham.
West Ham will play Europa League football in the 2023-24 campaign after winning the Europa Conference League last term.
The Irons are yet to make a summer signing despite the exits of Manuel Lanzini and Arthur Masuaku.
In other news, defender wants to leave Everton after West Ham make move.