West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta wants to return to Brazil, with Flamengo ready to sign him.
West Ham are reluctant to sanction a sale this month amid interest and talk that Flamengo could offer £35million. The Hammers have already rejected an offer worth £30m.
Paqueta did not feature in Sunday’s FA Cup clash with QPR and it is understood he asked not to play.
He has been feeling the effects of the back issue that saw him miss the 3-0 defeat at Wolves and led to him being taken off in the second half of last week’s 2-1 home loss to Nottingham Forest.
Tottenham and Aston Villa made enquiries to sign Paqueta in the summer but he yearns for a return to his native Brazil.
Lucas Paqueta signed for West Ham in 2022 but now wants to return to Brazil
Flamengo are one of two clubs from Brazil to have shown an interest in the midfielder who has 18 months remaining on his contract at the London Stadium.
He is expected to leave by the summer – but as things stand, West Ham do not want to sell Paqueta, who is viewed as an important member of the squad as they face a battle against relegation.
No formal offer has been received as yet.
West Ham are disappointed with Paqueta’s determination to go given that they supported him during the investigation over alleged breaches of betting regulations.
Paqueta was cleared of spot-fixing charges last summer after an FA investigation that lasted almost two years.
