'Deal on' - Fabrizio Romano issues West Ham update after player hands in transfer request

West Ham are still in talks over a major sale this month as they also attempt to strengthen Nuno Espirito Santo’s hand going into the final stages of the season. The Hammers are in a concerning situation near the bottom of the table, seven points from safety and with few teams above them looking like being involved in the relegation battle.

Santo has struggled to get fans onside amid the absence of a spark and a run of form since his arrival, and with supporters unhappy with the club’s ownership, this feels like a difficult ship to turn around.

A couple of signings have already been made, the most notable of which has been Taty Castellanos, and there could be more, but Santo may be more concerned about a potential exit that could rock the club.

The club’s second top scorer this season, Lucas Paquetá, who has five goals across all competitions, could now leave the club after agreeing a deal with Flamengo, leading to a transfer request.

Fabrizio Romano reported on his YouTube show: “The agreement with Paquetá and Flamengo is done, as I told you days ago. Lucas Paquetá with his agent yesterday night told West Ham that he wants to join Flamengo, that he wants to leave the club.

“Flamengo will negotiate and West Ham are no longer closing the doors, but it depends on the financial situation. Negotiations are ongoing with Flamengo, Deal on and talks will continue in the next days to try to reach an agreement.”

West Ham must react quickly

Santo won’t want to lose Paquetá, but if the player has demanded an exit, it puts the club in a difficult situation where their best course of action is likely to focus on getting a deal they are happy with.

But it’s absolutely vital that West Ham move quickly and allocate a big chunk of that money to finding a proper replacement. Paquetá is one of the club’s most talented and incisive players, and they have struggled to create and score with him, let alone without him.

If the Iron can’t find a difference-maker to replace the Brazilian, someone who can provide assists and goals, their relegation battle might not be much of a battle at all. Santo has to be in the ear of those above him to make sure Paquetá is adequately replaced.

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