West Ham prepare first approach for Fulham star Joao Palhinha as the Hammers eye the Portuguese midfielder as a possible replacement should Declan Rice leave this summer
- West Ham are looking for a replacement for captain Declan Rice
- Fulham star Joao Palhinha is reportedly the club’s top candidate for the position
- But David Moyes would also be interested in signing Ajax star Edson Alvarez
West Ham have reportedly set their sights on a replacement for Declan Rice when the Hammers captain leaves the club this summer.
Rice has been the subject of much speculation about his future, with David Sullivan revealing earlier this month that he may leave the club after leading the Hammers to European success.
With such an integral part of his squad poised to depart, David Moyes has already reserved a potential Rice successor in the heart of his midfield.
According to a tweet from Fabrizio Romano, Fulham star Joao Palhinha is Moyes’ best candidate to replace the England international as the club prepares for Europa League football next season.
West Ham United are looking for a new talisman in midfield. Declan Rice is leaving this summer
Joao Palhinha has been earmarked as the club’s main target this summer should Rice move
Having spent his entire career in his native Portugal, Palhinha made his Premier League debut last season after joining Fulham from Sporting Lisbon in a £20 million deal.
The 27-year-old quickly established himself as a key part of Marco Silva’s side who defied odds by finishing comfortably in the top half of the table.
Palhinha’s excellent performances in his first campaign also sparked interest from all of the Premier League’s top six, with both Manchester United and Liverpool reportedly eyeing the defensive midfielder.
Ajax midfielder Edson Álvarez is also in the race, but could well move to Borussia Dortmund
Romano’s report also claimed that West Ham are also interested in Ajax star Edson Alvarez if they cannot sign Palhinha.
The Mexico international has made an impression since joining Ajax from America in 2019 and has won two Eredivisie titles in his time in the Netherlands.
However, West Ham would face competition from Borussia Dortmund for the 25-year-old’s signature, as the club had signed Alvarez ahead of a possible move to second-placed Bundesliga.