Fulham have demanded an astonishing £90million for midfielder Joao Palhinha with United identifying him as a possible successor to .
with the midfielder keen to make the move.
The Hammers are on the hunt for replacements in midfield with Portugal international Palhinha a top target.
The 27-year-old joined the Cottagers for a reported fee of £20million from Sporting Lisbon last summer, enjoying a superb first season in English football under .
While West Ham are keen to bring him across the capital to east London, the report Fulham have placed a huge valuation on him in hope of scaring off potential suitors.
The west Londoners are using West Ham’s own £100million asking price for Rice as a bench mark in their demands.
With Palhinha contracted to the club until 2027, Fulham feel they are in a strong position to hold onto one of their prized assets.
The report adds West Ham and other interested parties will not consider meeting that huge asking price but could test their resolve with lower offers of around £50m.
West Ham are also interested in Ajax’s Edson Alvarez as a possible replacement for Rice but latest reports suggest Borussia Dortmund are now the favourites to sign the Mexican.
West Ham rejected an opening offer for Rice from Arsenal last week, said to be worth more than £80million.
The east London side however were said to have been unimpressed with the structure of the deal, with not enough money put up front.
A second offer submitted on Tuesday of £75million plus £15million in add-ons was also rejected with Arsenal now preparing a third bid.
West Ham are thought to be seeking a minimum of £90million plus further add-ons to push the deal over the £100million mark.
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