WEST HAM are prepared to launch a bid for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to reports.
The Hammers sold club captain Declan Rice to Arsenal in a record-breaking £105million transfer last week.
Rice’s departure has left a gaping hole in David Moyes’ midfield, but the West Ham manager already has his replacement lined up.
According to talkSPORT, Palhinha has emerged as a top transfer target.
The Hammers are hoping to prise the midfielder away from Fulham in a deal worth around £40m.
However, the Cottagers will likely demand a much higher fee.
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Fulham reportedly want £90m for the midfielder.
Palhinha, 28, signed for the West London side last summer in a £20m transfer from Sporting Lisbon.
But his impressive debut campaign has seen his stock rise rapidly.
The midfielder made 40 appearances last season and was crucial to Fulham’s top-half finish in the Premier League.
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West Ham are also interested in signing Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.
However, the 30-year-old has revealed he wants to stay and fight for his spot at Old Trafford.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
