FULHAM have rejected a £40million bid for midfielder Joao Palhinha from West Ham.
The Hammers consider the Portuguese midfielder as an ideal replacement for Declan Rice – who finally joined Arsenal in a £105million over the weekend.
Fulham want double the £40m West Ham have bid for their star midfielder and player-of-the-year Joao Palhinha
Cottagers boss Marco Silva is keen to keep star man Palhinha, who shone last season following a £20million move from Sporting Lisbon.
Despite the Hammers offer a deal which would see Fulham double their money, the west Londoners have knocked back the approach.
More talks are expected this week with West Ham hopeful they can get a deal done for under £50million.
Fulham insiders feel a bid would need to go as high as £80million but sources close to the deal feel around £50million could be achievable.
Ajax‘s Mexican midfielder Edson Alvarez is also being considered by West Ham.
New technical director, Tim Steidten, has good relations with the Dutch side, though representatives involved in the deal are seeking large fees.
Those demands saw Borussia Dortmund pull out of a deal earlier this summer.
West Ham are keen to add two midfielders to replace academy graduate Rice, with Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse also being considered.
Manager David Moyes has long admired the set piece specialist, though relegated Saints are holding out for up to £40million for their captain.
Palhinha scored four goals in 40 appearances across all competitions last term and was named Fulham’s player of the season.
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