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.
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.
