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West Ham United ready to pay £40m to sign Joao Palhinha from Fulham
West Ham are ready to pay Fulham £40million to bring Joao Palhinha to East London this summer, according to The Sun.
The midfielder only joined the Cottagers last summer, signing from Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon on a five-year deal.
But with the Hammers set to lose Declan Rice, they have identified Fulham’s “Iron Man” (The Sun) as the ideal replacement.
“The Cottagers would be reluctant to let the Portuguese leave after just one season at the club, though they could be tempted by an offer of £50m,” according to The Sun.
“West Ham, so far, have indicated they’d be prepared to pay around £40m.”
Summer battle incoming
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Palhinha has enjoyed a phenomenal debut campaign in England, with the combative midfielder playing a key role in Fulham’s fine Premier League season.
His tough tackling and ability to keep things ticking over have undoubtedly caught the eye of many top clubs, with a battle for his services certain to take place this summer.
Fulham will be very reluctant to lose the player, especially given the fact he has only just arrived at Craven Cottage,
Unfortunately for West Ham, they won’t be the only club looking to acquire his services, meaning they will have to move swiftly at the beginning of the transfer window if they are to have any hope of doing a deal for the talented midfielder.
However, in more positive news for the Hammers, they look certain of having money to spend in the summer due to the huge fee they can expect to receive for star man Rice.