THEY HAVE GONE IN’: SKY REPORTER SUGGESTS ‘TOP’ MIDFIELDER ‘INTERESTED’ IN WEST HAM MOVE

Dharmesh Sheth has suggested that Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha is ‘interested’ in a transfer to West Ham United this summer.

After selling Declan Rice to Arsenal, David Moyes is now on the lookout for reinforcements as he tries to build life after his star captain.

Transfer expert and Sky reporter Sheth pointed out that West Ham might look to bring in ‘at least two midfielders’ this summer and Joao Palhinha is a man they are very much keen on, as he told Sky Sports.

A bid of ‘£45 million’ has been rejected by Fulham, but Sheth is of the thought that the Hammers have only gone in with a bid because they have got ‘encouragement’ from Palhinha’s side that he wants to join.

With Rice heading for the exit door for a club-record sale of £105 million, that puts the Hammers in a spot of bother because it now inflates the price of every player they want to sign.

That seems to be the case with Palhinha because, according to Sheth, their London rivals want close to ‘£80 million’ for their all-action midfielder.

They will want to bring in, at least, two in midfield,” said Sheth. “From the outset, we knew that there was an interest in Joao Palhinha at Fulham, but initial talks early on in this transfer window indicated that there was a big gap in valuation compared to what West Ham were prepared to pay and what Fulham were asking for.

“I just wonder whether West Ham United have now got some sort of encouragement that Joao Palhinha maybe is interested in going there.

“Simply because West Ham have gone in with a bid now. It’s £45 million, but it has been rejected by Fulham. We are told that Fulham are not encouraging offers for a player they value at around £80 million.”

Palhinha would be a top purchase

The Portugal international would be a top, top signing for West Ham, if he joins, and someone who would suit David Moyes’ system – Jamie O’Hara recently claimed that ‘Fulham fans won’t be happy’ that they could be losing their ‘top’ midfield player.

Whilst Lucas Paqueta came to life during the final few months of last season, for large parts, he struggled.

That’s because Moyes wasn’t playing to his strengths and he needed extra time to get used to his new surroundings, Palhinha wouldn’t need such time, and that’s why West Ham should push the boat out for his signature.