West Ham United’s pursuit of midfielder Joao Palhinha has hit a stumbling block as Fulham rejected their initial bid this summer, according to reports from the Sun. The 28-year-old Portuguese player has garnered attention from the Hammers after an impressive debut season in English football with Fulham.
Following the departure of Declan Rice, who fetched a British transfer record fee for West Ham, the club is actively seeking to bolster their midfield options by bringing in two new players. Palhinha has emerged as one of their top targets, prompting the Hammers to make their first bid for the midfielder.
West Ham submitted an opening offer of £40 million for Palhinha, indicating their keen interest in securing his services. However, Fulham swiftly rebuffed the bid, demonstrating their determination to hold onto the talented player. Marcos Silva, the manager of Fulham, played a significant role in Palhinha’s success and is reluctant to part ways with him.
Undeterred by the initial rejection, West Ham is expected to return with an improved offer in their pursuit of Palhinha. Fulham, on the other hand, is likely to demand a substantial fee to consider selling the midfielder during this transfer window.
Palhinha played a pivotal role in Fulham’s commendable finish in the top half of the league table last season. His contributions on the pitch have impressed both fans and pundits alike, making him a highly valued asset for the club. Fulham’s reluctance to part ways with Palhinha highlights their commitment to maintaining a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
West Ham’s pursuit of Palhinha reflects their ambition to strengthen their midfield ranks and build upon their recent success. The Hammers remain determined to secure the services of the Portuguese midfielder, and negotiations between the two clubs are expected to continue as they work towards a mutually agreeable transfer fee.
As the summer transfer window progresses, West Ham will likely persist in their pursuit of Palhinha, exploring avenues to reach an agreement with Fulham. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Hammers can convince Fulham to part ways with their prized midfielder or if they will need to consider alternative options to strengthen their squad.