Decs Canon Irons Exit Sets 'Outer Limits'

João Palhinha is a decent midfielder and the 27 year old quickly established himself as a key part of Marco Silva's side that finished comfortably in the top half of the table, above West Ham.

The Portuguese international made 40 appearances in all competitions for Fulham in his debut season at the club, during which he completed an impressive 147 tackles.

His performances have led to interest in him from across the Premier League's top six, with both Manchester United and Liverpool reportedly keeping tabs on the defensive midfielder as well as Tottingham from the lower half of the table.

With Arsenal set to return with a third offer for their top target Declan Rice after seeing their latest bid worth £90million rejected by West Ham, Fulham have decided to up the ante for their prized and in demand possession by whacking an eye watering and totally unjustifiable £90 Million price tag on the player in order to fend off interest from other clubs, particularly West Ham who Fulham feel have set the bench mark for in demand CDM's.

As revealed in the media on Tuesday, Arsenal's new bid, believed to be worth £75million in guaranteed cash with an extra £15m in add ons, was instantly rejected by de facto transfer supremo David Sullivan as the club continue to hold out for a minimum of £100 Million EXCLUDING add ons.

West Ham do have an interest in Ajax star Edson Alvarez, should a move for Palhinha prove fruitless, however cash rich Borussia Dortmund are chasing the Mexico international as a replacement for Jude Bellingham who has moved to Real Madrid. Borussia Dortmund have already sent Alvarez a contract ahead of a potential move to the Bundesliga runners up and are increasingly certain they will secure the 25 year old's signature.

As expected, the Rice to Arsenal deal will muddy the waters over ANY incoming transfers to West Ham due to the money being mentioned and it's knock on effect with regards to player valuations, it was always going to be the opening of a 'can of worms', so let fans see how it will pan out.

There is a feeling among some at the club that with Flynn Downes ready to step up to the plate that there is NO reason to try for a like for like replacement for Rice, especially with the figures being banded around, far better to use any money from the deal to strengthen other areas of the team, particularly the left back position AND centre back where there is need for at least one more NON injury prone player.

Expect the whole gambit of smoke and mirrors ahead and during the early part of the season and you won't be disappointed. -Ed