Barca see Palhinha as Busquets' replacement, Fulham won't let him go cheap

Barcelona have made it no secret that their top priority this summer is replacing Sergio Busquets, who will join Leo Messi at Inter Miami. The Catalans have had several players on their radar, including Joshua Kimmich (Bayern), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) and Marcelo Brozovic (Inter), but they all look to have become too complicated.

Now, 'Daily Mail' reports the Spanish champions have landed on Fulham's Joao Palhinha, who has also been receiving attention from West Ham. The Irons look to be about to sell Declan Rice to Arsenal for a fee in the region of £100 million, which would give them the funds to pursue the £90 million asking price for Palhinha.

Palhinha would feature in Xavi Hernandez's midfield overhaul this summer, as the coach is also closing in on free agent Ilkay Gundogan, who would be leaving European champions Man City. 'Sport' report that sporting director Deco is an admirer of Palhinha and agrees with Xavi that the Portuguese international would be a good fit for Barca.

Palhinha only moved last season to Fulham on a £15 million transfer from Sporting Lisbon, and has another four years left on his deal, with the option to extend. This could prove tricky for Barcelona, who are low on funds and need to sell players soon if they are to stand a chance of reaching Fulham's asking price.