Graham Potter’s got his eyes set on Joao Palhinha, and he doesn’t want West Ham standing by while Fulham try to snatch him back.

According to Graeme Bailey via TBR Football, Potter sees Palhinha as a top target and is pushing hard for the club to make a move. The Portuguese midfielder joined Bayern Munich for £47 million last summer but hasn’t exactly nailed down a spot under Vincent Kompany. Less than 1,000 Bundesliga minutes tells its own story.

Potter, who’s made it clear he wants to reshape West Ham’s midfield, believes Palhinha brings exactly the kind of grit and discipline the side’s been crying out for. And let’s be honest, the man can tackle, and not just in highlight reels. He was Fulham’s heartbeat the last time he played regularly in the Premier League, and it’s no surprise they want him back.

Fulham Hanging Around

Fulham haven’t backed off either. Bailey says they’ve stayed in touch with Palhinha’s camp, and a loan return to Craven Cottage is on the table. It wouldn’t be the shock of the summer if he ended up back with Marco Silva. The connection is still there, and the move would make sense if Bayern are prepared to cut their losses or send him out temporarily.

But that’s exactly why West Ham should act fast. If there’s a genuine opening to land a Premier League-proven, international midfielder who knows the league and doesn’t shy away from the dirty work, then you don’t hang about and let a rival walk him through the door.

Money Talks… But Who’s Selling?

Now the obvious catch: money. West Ham’s transfer budget isn’t overflowing at the best of times, and Bailey hints that the club needs to offload before they can move. “They can’t do anything until they get player sales,” he said, blunt as you like.

Still, if Potter’s serious about making this team his own, Palhinha feels like exactly the right kind of statement signing. He’s got bite, composure, and he’s no luxury player. He’ll put in a shift when others go missing.

The question is whether West Ham can get their act together in time to actually make it happen, or whether it’ll be Fulham walking off with the prize again while the Irons wait around for the books to balance.”