West Ham United are interested in signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha but have failed with their opening bid for the Portuguese international.
According to a report from 90min, West Ham United have now failed with an initial approach to sign Portuguese international midfielder Joao Palhinha, who is valued at £80 million by Fulham.
West Ham need to bring in midfield reinforcements in the summer, especially after the departure of Declan Rice.
The 24-year-old England international left the club the summer after the Hammers agreed on a British transfer record deal with Arsenal for him.
Rice was a key player for West Ham last season and they will need to replace him adequately.
Meanwhile, Palhinha has been an impressive capture for Fulham and the 27-year-old managed to hit the ground running in the Premier League.
The Portuguese international was a key player for Fulham and he could prove to be a solid acquisition for West Ham as well.
The 27-year-old will add physicality and defensive discipline to the side. He is well-settled in English football, and he will look to make his mark at West Ham.
Meanwhile, the player is at the peak of his powers right now and he will look to join a club where he can compete at a higher level.
The Portuguese international will look to test himself in European football after he completes his move to West Ham. The Hammers will play in the UEFA Europa League next season and Palhinha will look to make an impact in European football.
He is valued at £80 million and it will be interesting to see if Fulham are prepared to lower their asking price.
Palhinha would undoubtedly improve West Ham immediately but the Hammers will be hoping to sign him for a more reasonable price.
The Hammers failed with their initial approach to sign the midfielder and it remains to be seen whether they decide to come forward with an improved offer to sign him.
West Ham certainly have the finances to get the deal done after the sale of Rice and they will look to improve the other areas of the squad as well.
