West Ham handed ‘huge’ Lucas Paqueta boost
West Ham have been handed a “huge boost” for the season after Lucas Paqueta made clear his desire to stay, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that Graham Potter will be delighted to have kept a key player at the club.
The 28-year-old decided to snub a move away amid interest from Aston Villa, while late interest from Saudi Pro League sides is also unlikely to bear fruit.
Football Insider revealed on 11 August that Saudi clubs want to sign Paqueta and had been prepared to rival the likes of Man City for his signature.
The Saudi transfer window is still open until 23 September, but the Brazilian’s firm decision to stick with West Ham has put a dent in their late transfer plans.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 2 September that Paqueta decided to stay at West Ham despite the board’s willingness to accept offers.
Lucas Paqueta to snub Saudi offers in favour of West Ham
Brown told Football Insider on 3 July that West Ham are prepared to let Paqueta leave this summer amid interest from a number of Saudi Pro League clubs.
However, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted the midfielder’s decision means he will remain at the London Stadium.
“Lucas Paqueta made the decision to stay at West Ham,” he told Football Insider.
“Aston Villa were the club being spoken about a lot, and I hear some Saudi clubs have been keen on him as well, and I know their window runs a bit later than ours.
“But he turned down the chance to move so he won’t be going anywhere even with the Saudi interest.
“West Ham want to get him back to his best, because he hasn’t been in the last year or two.
“When he’s at his best, he’s a very good player and he can be a game changer.
“So if they can get him back to that level, it will be a huge boost for them to have kept hold of him, and a boost for the manager as well as the club.
“You always want your best players to stay of course, so he’ll be delighted I’m sure.”
Frank Lampard emerges as option to replace Graham Potter
Amid ongoing speculation surrounding potential outgoings at the London Stadium, Potter’s future remains up in the air with doubts still lingering about his position.
Football Insider revealed on 5 September that West Ham have sounded out Frank Lampard as a potential replacement should they decide to pull the trigger.
Intermediaries representing the East London club are believed to have put out feelers to the Coventry City boss before their shock 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 28 August that West Ham are exploring alternatives to Potter as they pave the way for his potential dismissal.
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