Lucas Paqueta has been cleared to face Newcastle United - the team that once wanted to sign him
Lucas Paqueta
Lucas Paqueta(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Nuno Espirito Santo has insisted that Lucas Paqueta is focused on Sunday's game against Newcastle United - but admits rumours of his exit from the London Stadium aren't helping him.
The Brazil international, a close pal of Bruno Guimaraes from their days at Lyon together, has been offered to West Ham's top-flight rivals with a fee of £60m mooted. Toon head coach Eddie Howe has played down links with Paqueta in the past but as the Hammers face the drop, the midfielder is likely to be pushed in Newcastle's direction again.
Paqueta has been reprimanded by the FA for his failure to comply with a Football Association investigation into allegations of spot-fixing this week - although he is clear of any threat of a lifetime ban.
His boss Nuno said today: "The noise doesn't help. Finally, it ends, but at the same time, there are rumours around. We have to protect ourselves and work in the best way. He's going to play on Sunday and help his team-mates.
"I've spoken to him about many things. We need Lucas. I told him personally and the squad that being a No 10 is more than a number. It's a symbol.
"That's what we need from Lucas. We need him to help his team-mates, because they trust him. We know there is more to come from him, and we need him as a No 10."
Paqueta fuelled speculation that he was up for a move to Newcastle three years ago with visits to see Bruno and explore the city. His time at West Ham has been a mixed experience as he helped the Hammers lift the Europa Conference League in 2023 before encountering a two-year FA probe for spot-fixing before being cleared of betting offences and swerving a lifetime ban.
With the Times reporting, Paqueta's time could be up in January the star's agent will be looking to drum up interest in the 28-year-old.
He came close to a move to Aston Villa last summer when a loan deal with an obligation to buy for £47m got close.
Howe is an admirer of Paqueta but with his midfield area well stocked, he may look to other areas of his squad to improve. That said, stars like Paqueta don't become available often and Bruno would relish hooking up with his old Lyon team-mate if United did pull it off.
A £60m price tag has been suggested ahead of the January sales but with the Hammers threatened by relegation and Paqueta's contract expiring in 2027, there is room for negotiation with the London Stadium crisis club.
Nuno played down the battle between Lucas and Bruno, but insisted that Newcastle have one of the best engine rooms in the country. He said: "It's not only going to be in midfield, there are going to be battles everywhere.
"But we're going to face one of the best midfields in the Premier League. I think during the game they won't be friends! After the game, they (Bruno and Lucas) can be friends again!
"I've known Eddie Howe for a while now, and we're going to face a very strong team in a good moment. Eddie has a fantastic squad, and he's doing a great job getting the best out of them."
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