Lucas Paquetá is seeking a departure from West Ham in order to return to Flamengo during the January transfer window, according to sources reported by ESPN.
The Brazilian midfielder has expressed a strong desire to go back to his childhood club, and he has instructed his agents to communicate this wish to the Rio de Janeiro side.
Sources indicate that the objective is to “encourage” Flamengo to submit an offer in the vicinity of £35 million ($47 million), a figure that West Ham may consider.
Nevertheless, West Ham believes they might secure a better deal from a European club, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly ready to place a higher bid for the Brazil international.
However, insider sources highlight significant uncertainty regarding a potential sale at West Ham.
At 28 years old, Paquetá has 18 months left on his contract with West Ham.
ESPN has learned that West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo is opposed to Paquetá’s exit in the middle of the season, viewing the player as a vital starter and crucial to their battle against relegation.
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Paquetá joined West Ham in the summer of 2022 from Lyon and has scored four goals and provided one assist in 18 Premier League appearances this season.
Currently, West Ham sits 18th in the league standings, one place and seven points away from safety.
Additional information was contributed by Pedro Ivo Almeida of ESPN.