West Ham hold 'clear' stance on ex £85m Newcastle United and Man City target

West Ham have a 'clear' stance on the future of midfielder Lucas Paqueta as transfer rumours linking the Brazil international with an exit from the London Stadium continue to swirl.

The 26-year-old had long been a rumoured target for Newcastle United, in some part helped by his close relationship with compatriot and former Lyon teammate Bruno Guimaraes. In more recent months, it appeared to be Manchester City who were frontrunners for the Hammers star with an £85 million transfer fee touted.

A Premier League switch is now believed to have collapsed for Paqueta as the player faces a potential lengthy suspension having been hit by six FA betting charges. He is currently awaiting a hearing.

Despite the controversy, it emerged this week that boyhood Brazilian club Flamengo could be keen to throw Paqueta a lifeline this summer. The outfit had supposedly been in direct contact with West Ham over a move.

However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has clarified the club's stance on any exit. Taking to social media platform X on Friday, he said: "West Ham have been clear: no plans to loan out Lucas Paquetá despite Flamengo's direct approach. Flamengo will try again to make deal happen in the next weeks, but only way would be a permanent transfer."

Paqueta has been a key part of the West Ham squad since joining from Lyon in 2022. He made 43 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals and picking up seven assists, despite a spell on the sidelines with a calf injury.

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West Ham have stood by the player amid controversy. Technical director Tim Steidten visited Paqueta while in Brazil on transfer business and new manager Julen Lopetegui has spoken caringly about the player.

Lopetegui said: “We know he and his family are suffering a lot. We are looking forward to him being here with us. We are his family in England and we are going to take care of him.

“I liked it when I saw him smiling in the last match because he was enjoying playing football.”