West Ham United are willing to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if the deal includes a loan back for the rest of the season, a condition Flamengo are resisting. Flamengo’s €35m bid was rejected and they may raise it to about €40m, but believe they can wait and buy him more cheaply in the summer without a loan-back.
Paquetá wants to return to Brazil after a difficult spell in England following spot-fixing allegations, which he was cleared of last year but which scuppered a move to Manchester City. West Ham, seven points below safety, fear losing him could deepen relegation trouble. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo says the situation must be resolved quickly, with the midfielder doubtful for Saturday’s game against Tottenham Hotspur.
