Fabrizio Romano’s honest but encouraging new claim on West Ham pursuit of Fulham star Joao Palhinha and Ajax’s Edson Alvarez.
Italian transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano has reaffirmed West Ham’s interest in Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha and Ajax’s Edson Alvarez.
With Manuel Lanzini being released and the impending sale of Declan Rice, boss David Moyes faces a rebuild of sorts in the West Ham midfield.
The Hammers need to address several key positions in the team and squad but central midfield is undoubtedly of paramount importance.
Hammers facing midfield rebuild amid Lanzini and Rice departures
It was reported last week that ‘work was going on behind the scenes’ after West Ham identified Fulham and Portugal defensive midfielder Palhinha and Mexico destroyer Alvarez as their prime targets to replace Rice.
Fulham reportedly want as much as £50m for Palhinha, who was statistically the best defensive midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues last season.
And Romano revealed the Hammers face competition from Borussia Dortmund for Alvarez, claiming the player is keen on a move to Germany.
Fabrizio Romano’s honest but encouraging new claim on West Ham pursuit of Fulham star Joao Palhinha and Ajax’s Edson Alvarez
Now Romano has delivered an honest but encouraging new claim on the West Ham pursuit of Fulham star Palhinha and Ajax’s Alvarez.
The reporter has confirmed West Ham are preparing their first approach to Fulham for first choice Rice replacement Palhinha.
But he has warned it will not be an easy deal with the Cottagers. And there is also an update on the interest in Alvarez.
‘Hammers prepare first approach, it won’t be easy’
“West Ham are preparing their first approach for Joao Palhinha,” Romano said last night.
“Not an easy deal with Fulham but he’s top of the list for West Ham to replace Declan Rice.
“Edson Alvarez remains in list but Borussia Dortmund are pushing to agree personal terms after proposal sent.”
Bild claimed West Ham are prepared to meet Ajax’s €45 million (£38 million) valuation of 25-year-old Alvarez and pay him a far bigger salary than he would earn at Dortmund.
But Dortmund have £115m burning a hole in their pockets following the sale of Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid.
Palhinha is almost three years Alvarez’s senior and turns 28 next month.
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