West Ham accelerate move for Lucas Paqueta replacement – Insider
West Ham are accelerating their efforts to sign a replacement for Lucas Paqueta after the FA’s latest ban threat, according to the club’s former scout.
Mick Brown, who worked as a senior scout at the London Stadium until departing with David Moyes in June, exclusively told Football Insider that the club are already working on finding a replacement in case of a worst-case scenario.
This comes after reports claimed that the FA are seeking to impose a lifetime ban should the Brazilian be found guilty of alleged illegal betting activities.
The case against Paqueta, 27, has been ongoing since August 2023, and he was charged by the FA in May as they revealed he was “intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the purpose of affecting the betting market.”
Despite the ongoing case and fears about a potential ban, the attacking midfielder remains a crucial part of Julen Lopetegui’s squad and plans for the future.
As a result, Brown has insisted the club are determined to find a replacement in case of a lengthy ban in a bid to avoid a potential panic-buy.
Paqueta has made 93 appearances for West Ham so far, scoring 15 goals and providing 14 assists during that time, and has scored two goals in ten appearances so far this season.
West Ham step up preparations for Lucas Paqueta ban
Lopetegui’s side have suffered a frustrating start to the season, winning just two of their first eight Premier League games, and losing a key player would come as a huge blow.
Brown, who remains very well-connected at the London Stadium and throughout the game after spells at Man United and Tottenham among others, insisted that the club will attempt to limit the blow in case of a “worst-case scenario”.
“From what I’m told, they’re already looking for replacements,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ll be drawing up a list of options in case he does get banned.
“They won’t want to panic and jump into paying a big fee for someone out of desperation.
“Ever since the charges were first brought against him they would’ve known he could face a ban.
“Now that the FA have apparently threatened him with this lifetime ban, which would be a worst-case scenario, they’ll need to be prepared.
“If they weren’t already looking at potential replacements, I’d be worried given how important he is.
“But they’ll be obviously keeping an eye on the situation and will be prepared to act in the transfer market if worse comes to worse.”
In other news, Insider shares real reason Lucas Paqueta exit collapsed.
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