Nuno Espirito Santo’s stance on Lucas Paqueta leaving West Ham revealed
Lucas Paqueta has been heavily linked with moves away from West Ham over the last couple of transfer windows and speculation has now intensified.
The Brazil star scored as West Ham beat Newcastle 3-1 last time out, putting an end to a six-game run without a victory which had led to frustrations.
However, the Hammers are still 18th in the Premier League table, three points behind Burnley and four behind Leeds as a result of their disastrous start.
That has led to speculation about a number of their star players’ futures at the London Stadium as they could look to step up to more competitive outfits.
As a result, Paqueta could look to quit West Ham in January as a result, despite turning down a move to Aston Villa during the summer in favour of staying in East London.
Nuno Espirito Santo plans to block Lucas Paqueta exit
Football Insider revealed on 31 October that West Ham will block Paqueta’s exit despite fears he could quit as he remains a crucial player in their squad.
Nuno Espirito Santo has no plans to lose his star midfielder half-way through the season and is unlikely to give the green light to his departure regardless of the player’s stance.
That is according to former West Ham and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at his former clubs, as he exclusively told Football Insider that there is no way he will be allowed to leave in January.
“Trying to guess what West Ham will do is always difficult,” he told Football Insider.
“But Paqueta is a talented player, I think he lost his way a little bit in recent years, but he’s still one of the best players at West Ham and he can do things their other players can’t.
“There’s no doubt there will be interest in him because of how impressive he can be at his best.
“And it wouldn’t surprise me if he was looking at his options, because if West Ham are in trouble this season, he will be looking to move on to better things.
“I don’t think that’s something that will happen in January, though.
“He’s too important to West Ham, and the manager is not going to be happy losing his best players when he’s trying to turn around the club’s fortunes.
“He will need all of his best players on side to do that, including Paqueta, so I don’t see any way in which they let him leave half-way through the season.”
However, there is a feeling a significant offer could test the Hammers’ resolve after Football Insider revealed that West Ham were prepared to sell Paqueta if the right offer came in.
West Ham set sights on signing Endrick from Real Madrid
Despite fears about losing key players, West Ham are also aiming to bolster their squad in the January window, and have set their sights on a new striker.
West Ham are eyeing Real Madrid star Endrick, who could leave Los Blancos on loan mid-way through the season as he looks to play more regular minutes at the top level.
The Brazil international has made just one appearance under Xabi Alonso so far this season and is keen to be a more regular member of the starting XI.
However, Football Insider revealed on 1 November that Lyon are the favourites to sign Endrick, with a move to Ligue 1 favoured over the Premier League.
West Ham’s struggles have also put Madrid off of plans to send him to the London Stadium, with Lyon currently placed sixth in the league.
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