‘West Ham to make serious Lucas Paqueta decision’, Nuno Espirito Santo is ‘fuming’
West Ham are prepared to seriously consider the future of Lucas Paqueta following his dismissal during the defeat against Liverpool.
That is according to former West Ham and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Nuno Espirito Santo was left “fuming” by the red card.
West Ham lost 2-0 to Liverpool last time out, with the Brazil international’s red card removing any chance of a comeback for the Hammers and raising tensions.
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.
However, West Ham are now preparing to entertain offers should they arrive in January, despite his role as one of their most important and talented players.
West Ham open to offers for Lucas Paqueta
Brown told Football Insider on 4 November that Nuno Espirito Santo has no plans to lose Paqueta despite the increasing speculation.
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, insisted that the Brazil international could now be set for a move away from East London.
“It was a stupid red card to get, and one he could have avoided,” he told Football Insider.
“The manager will have been rightly fuming with him, because losing him in that game was a blow and now he’s going to be missed for their next game too.
“Of course that then raises questions about his future there, because there’s been a lot of talk about whether he might leave even before this.
“He’s certainly their most talented player, and probably their most creative player too, so in the position they’re in they can’t really afford to lose somebody like that.
“But if he’s going to be a disruptive influence in terms of how he handles himself on the pitch, it may be something they decide is worth taking the hit for.
“If they get an offer for him in January from one of these clubs who have been interested in him, then it wouldn’t surprise me if they were to let him go.
“It’s a big decision and something they have to seriously consider now because of his actions.”
Nuno Espirito Santo makes January transfer plans
Despite the speculation surrounding Paqueta’s future, West Ham have no intentions of weakening their squad in January, and instead plan to strengthen.
Brown told Football Insider on 25 November that West Ham plan to upgrade on Max Kilman with the addition of a new centre-back when the window opens.
Matt Le Tissier warned Football Insider on 29 October that West Ham are too weak at centre-back after what has been a dismal start to the season in East London.
Nuno’s side have conceded 27 goals in 13 league games so far this season, the second-worst defensive record in the league aside from bottom club Wolves.
As a result, the Hammers are eyeing a number of defensive options, as Brown told Football Insider on 18 November that West Ham want to sign Charlie Cresswell.
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