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Since the confirmation of Declan Rice's summer exit from West Ham, Joao Palhinha, Kalvin Phillips, and James Ward-Prowse emerged as the top three candidates to replace the English star at the club.
According to The Mail Palhinha has been identified as the primary target after a highly impressive debut season in south London. During the last campaign, the Portugal international played a vital role in Fulham's strong midfield and topped the league with an impressive tally of 147 successful tackles.
Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips is also considered by West Ham. The Hammers have shown continuous interest in the 27-year-old midfielder, as demonstrated by their £50 million bid in January 2022, which was made before Phillips eventually transferred from Leeds United to Manchester City.
After Southampton's relegation to the Championship, there is a possibility that James Ward-Prowse, the captain of the team, could be obtainable at a lower cost. The potential for his availability will also be investigated by David Moyes' during this transfer window.
On June 8, following West Ham United's glorious victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League final, the club's chairman David Sullivan confirmed that the captain is allowed to leave this summer and immediate bids are expected.
“He set his heart on going and in due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement," said Sullivan, recognizing that what Rice has done for the club this season should be rewarded at best.