This summer, Moyes admits that West Ham was interested in signing a certain player: “We were keen on getting.”

David Moyes makes West Ham admission over Fulham ace Joao Palhinha

David Moyes admitted West Ham were keen on bringing Fulham star Joao Palhinha to the London Stadium in the summer transfer window, but the deal ultimately never materialised.

Moyes was discussing the process at the London Stadium during the transfer window and admitted Palhinha, who Fulham valued at £90million [The Sun, 21 June], was one of the first names on his list when trying to improve their midfield options.

The Hammers ultimately moved to sign James Ward-Prowse from Southampton and Edson Alvarez from Ajax, while Palhinha went close to moving to Bayern Munich before that deal fell through at the last minute [The Athletic, 1 September].

Speaking to the Evening Standard on 29 September, Moyes revealed: “I didn’t know I was going to end up getting them [Mohammed Kudus and Alvarez] because they were two lads on our list of recruitment.

“We were keen on getting Joao Palhinha from Fulham and we didn’t get him. We were obviously looking to see who we could try and get after that. James Ward-Prowse was high on my list no matter what.”

What could have been

Palhinhato the London Stadium in the summer transfer window, but the deal ultimately never materialised. Europe with his dominant displays at the base of the West London side’s midfield, and earning himself eventual interest from European giants Bayern.

However, if Moyes and West Ham had got their way, the Portuguese midfielder could have swapped West London for East with a move to the London Stadium.

Where Alvarez has made himself a key part of Moyes’ side already, in the holding role in between the midfield and defence, breaking up play and winning possession back for his team, it could have been Palhinha pulling the strings and performing those duties.

After his move to Bayern Munich fell through, Palhinha ended up signing a new deal with Fulham, although the deal was likely a form of security for Fulham to ensure they still receive a good fee for their man when he does eventually leave.

In other West Ham news, the Hammers are competing with Europe’s elite clubs to sign a Brazilian wonder.