West Ham £85m talks confirmed after Newcastle United and Man City transfer collapse

West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has been approached by former club Flamengo over the possibility of a summer switch back to Brazil.

The attacking midfielder has been pivotal for the Hammers since joining from Lyon in 2022. The Brazilian made 43 appearances in all competitions last term, bagging eight goals and seven assists, despite a spell on the sidelines with a calf injury.

Despite his importance at the London Stadium, it is expected that the 26-year-old could quit London amid controversy. Paqueta is facing a lengthy suspension if found guilty after being hit by six FA betting charges. He is currently awaiting a hearing and denies any wrongdoing.

The player had long been linked with Newcastle United, partly helped by his bond with compatriot and former Lyon teammate Bruno Guimaraes, but had more recently emerged as a transfer priority for Manchester City with an £85 million fee touted. Those transfer links have since died amid the betting charges but there could still be a club interested in bringing Paqueta in.

That's according to ESPN with the outlet reporting that Flameno have taken an interest in the star. Paqueta came through the youth ranks with the side and broke into the first team before moving to AC Milan.

The outlet reports that sources began to reestablish contact with Paqueta 'a few weeks ago' and have made the playmaker a 'priority' this summer, despite biding their time to see what comes from the FA charges.

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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.”