Paqueta transfer: Flamengo’s move could see the Brazil star loaned out to West Ham

Sources claim that discussions have been held regarding this matter between the clubs.

The Brazilian Premier League does not start until March, which could – in theory – pave the way for such a deal.

But any agreement for Paqueta to stay in London until the final match of the season in May may depend on how far West Ham stray from safety.

The team is currently seven points behind Nottingham Forest, which ranks seventeenth.

Paqueta missed last weekend’s FA Cup third round win over QPR, sparking claims from insiders that he has not made himself available because he wants to leave.

However, club sources insist Paqueta’s absence was due to a minor injury.

It now remains to be seen whether Paqueta will be selected to play against Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday.

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo says the club needs to find an answer quickly.

Speaking on Thursday, he told reporters: “We always want to share our best players and Lucas is one of our best players, so let’s try to resolve the situation.

“It’s a solution we have to find. We as a club, as a player, and me.”