West Ham could agree Lucas Paqueta deal, they are in ‘big trouble’
West Ham have a decision to make around Lucas Paqueta’s immediate future at the London Stadium.
West Ham secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Tottenham in Paqueta’s absence on Saturday (17 January), but they are still five points from safety in the Premier League relegation zone.
West Ham have turned down an offer for Paqueta from Flamengo, with the Brazilian side’s bid believed to be worth in excess of £30million.
The 28-year-old is keen to secure a move back to his former club before the transfer window closes on 2 February.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (20 January) Paqueta could still leave West Ham over the coming weeks despite Nuno Espirito Santo’s desire to keep hold of the midfielder.
How West Ham could keep Lucas Paqueta until the summer
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider West Ham may be able to make a deal with Paqueta that sees him link up with Flamengo in the summer transfer window.
The Hammers are demanding a significant fee for the Brazil international, having signed him in a deal worth more than £50m from Lyon in the summer of 2022.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “Now, they might be able to get him to stick around until the summer, right?
“It's not even five months. It’s more like four months by the end of January, so they could say, ‘Stick around for four months and then you can go for £35m, right? We'll definitely do the deal’.
“Maybe that'll do it, but it's going to be hard for them to turn it down as we get to the end of the window.”
West Ham told to keep Paqueta amid relegation fears
Borson admitted it would be a blow for West Ham to lose Paqueta as they are currently in “big trouble” due to their relegation fears.
“It's a bit surprising that Flamengo have got that kind of cash, but if they have, then I think there's a good chance he goes,” said Borson.
“But they're in big trouble. The last thing they need now is to lose one of their better players.”
Paqueta came through the ranks at Flamengo, where he made 95 appearances before joining AC Milan in 2019.
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