Lucas Paqueta has been heavily linked with a move away from West Ham United this month, with Flamengo and Tottenham Hotspur named as potential suitors for his signature.
Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon for a club record fee back in August 2022 and despite the odd flash of brilliance, he has flattered to deceive for the most part.
And now his time at the London Stadium could now be set to come to an end, with Tottenham and Flamengo battling to obtain his signature.
Tottenham were linked with signing Paqueta earlier this month.
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And then Paqueta’s former club Flamengo threw their hat into the mix in the race to sign the 28-year-old Hammer.
Paqueta is said to be desperate to join Flamengo and he has apparently made that very clear to the West Ham owners.
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It’s obvious to see that Paqueta wants to return to his homeland.
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He didn’t play against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, due to injury … apparently.
Now Paqueta is a big doubt to face Tottenham on Saturday.
As things stand, the former Lyon midfielder joining his former club Flamengo appears to be the most likely outcome in the January transfer window.
However, Flamengo are said to be only willing to go up to £26 million for the Brazil international (Sky Sports).
Brazilian journalist Rodrigo Mattos claims that Tottenham have submitted a £50 million bid for Paqueta.
Is it any wonder why the Hammers don’t want to sell him to Flamengo?
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While selling a player to Tottenham for the second time in six months would be far from ideal for West Ham, the chance for the owners to potentially double their money will obviously be one they won’t want to miss out on.
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Nuno has apparently agreed to let Paqueta leave West Ham in order to rejoin Flamengo.
Now it will be down to David Sullivan.
If Tottenham really are ready to splash the cash on Paqueta, the Hammers majority shareholder will surely be keen to send him to north London rather than back to Brazil.
It remains to be seen where Paqueta ends up, but it is obvious which club West Ham will want to sell him to, if Tottenham really are ready to pay £50 million for him.