Lucas Paqueta’s ploy to leave West Ham is well and truly underway as sources speak out

Lucas Paqueta is hoping to secure a move away from West Ham this month amid interest from former club Flamengo.

Flamengo are preparing a bid for Paqueta worth around £30million, with the Hammers open to a sale if they can keep the midfielder until the end of the season.

The Brazil international will be key to any chance of safety for the Irons, who now lie seven points behind Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

West Ham are considering the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo, as they attempt to increase their chances of staying in the top flight.

Taty Castellanos has arrived at West Ham this month, and Paqueta‘s presence will be key to the striker’s success.

TalkSPORT journalist suggests Lucas Paqueta deceit

Paqueta played as West Ham lost to Nottingham Forest last week, but the Brazilian was missing from the squad that beat QPR in the FA Cup on Sunday, due to an apparent back issue.

And in the days surrounding, Flamengo‘s interest in the midfielder, and his desire to leave the club, have emerged.

The 28-year-old’s career began in Brazil with Flamengo, and it was there that he caught the eyes of Europe.

AC Milan were the ones to pluck him from his home, with moves to Lyon and West Ham following.

But now, Paqueta is keen to secure a move that would see him return to the place that he started his career.

According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, he is willing to force that move through this month. The midfielder is yet to return to training, although the circumstances surrounding his injury are unclear.

“Yesterday, his camp were briefing that he has a back injury – that’s why he didn’t play against QPR at the weekend, that’s why he’s not been training,” said Crook on Thursday.

“If you speak to sources at West Ham, they’ll tell you that he’s not carrying an injury and actually this is all part of a bigger ploy to force his way out of the football club.”

What did Nuno Espirito Santo say about Paqueta injury?

West Ham will play Tottenham on Saturday, in a game that some are dubbing ‘el sackico’ due to the unstable positions of both Nuno and Thomas Frank.

But Paqueta’s potential involvement will be a big story in itself, and the Hammers boss gave an update on Thursday.

“Mateus [Fernandes] is back doing individual sessions and Luca [Paqueta] is still on treatment so let’s see,” the Portuguese manager said. “We still have a couple of days.”

But doubts over that recovery still remain – West Ham will be keen to keep their relationship with Paqueta positive, as they attempt to convince him to see out the season.

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