By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

24th Mar, 2023 | 7:00am

Sources: Lucas Paqueta to quit West Ham if they go down

Lucas Paqueta will quit West Ham this summer if they get relegated, sources have told Football Insider.

Paqueta, who is close friends with Newcastle United’s Joelinton, is unlikely to stay at the London Stadium if the club aren’t in the Premier League next season, despite only signing last summer.

The 25-year-old’s agent is refusing to comment on his future and insists he is focussed on keeping the Hammers in the English top flight but according to sources he is unlikely to stay if they go down.

The Brazil international joined the Irons in August 2022 from French side Lyon for a reported fee of £36million plus £14.5m in add-ons.

The midfielder put pen to paper on a five year deal that also includes the option of a further 12 months but Paqueta is unlikely to see out the deal if his side are relegated this season.

West Ham are currently 18th in the Premier League with 24 points from 26 games and have won just one of their last five matches and still have to face Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United and Man City.

The London club are only one point from safety and only four points separate 12th from 20th heading into the final stages of the season.

Paqueta has made 26 appearances for David Moyes’ side across all competitions this season and has scored two goals and provided three assists in those outings.

In other news, a Bundesliga club are plotting to sign West Ham veteran to replace £60m-valued star Frimpong.