Online Reporter
LUCAS PAQUETA wants to quit West Ham in January following their horror start to the season.
The Brazil international was cleared of spot-fixing charges after a two-year FA investigation in the summer.
Aston Villa lodged a bid in the last transfer window which was rejected by the Hammers, who felt it was too late to let Paqueta go.
West Ham have been open to the prospect of allowing the midfielder to leave in the past but want up to £60MILLION for the former Lyon ace.
Attracting Premier League interest could be difficult in the new year given Paqueta’s poor form. The 28-year-old has scored just twice this season for the Hammers, who are 19th in the table.
West Ham want to invest in January in order to back struggling new Portuguese boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
Funds will need raising if they are to invest and boost their survival hopes, and Paqueta could bring in significant money.
Former club Flamengo have a long-held interest but are unlikely to be able to meet the asking price.
James Ward-Prowse, 30, signed from Southampton for £30m two years ago, is another who could leave in the next window.
However, having been frozen out there is little hope of landing a decent fee for the midfielder. Nuno is without a win since his appointment last month.
And furious fans are continuing their protests against the board.
Fan group Hammers United, who staged a boycott for Nuno’s first home game against Brentford, are planning a sit-in following the clash with Newcastle on Sunday. – Sun
Mathew Masinge