West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has emerged as a surprise target for Tottenham Hotspur.
According to the Daily Mail, the Lilywhites will closely monitor his situation at West Ham this week ahead of a potential move on deadline day.
Tottenham are not the only ones interested in Paqueta. The Brazilian playmaker, who was previously described as a maverick by David Moyes, has attracted interest from other suitors, including Aston Villa.
Like Spurs, Villa will also be keeping an eye on Paqueta, who is reportedly open to leaving the London Stadium this summer.
Paqueta has been a shadow of himself over the past 12 months, and for good reason. Not too long ago, his career was on the line after spot-fixing charges were brought against him.
The investigation took aeons to conclude, but he was ultimately exonerated of all allegations.
The charges did significant damage though. It cost him a big money move to Manchester City, while his morale hit rock bottom.
He remained a key part of the squad throughout his legal hearing. But with that whole process now in his rearview, Paqueta has once again become an attractive option for several clubs.
Tottenham willing to play the long game
Tottenham are willing to wait until the dying embers of the transfer window before making a move for Paqueta, given West Ham’s exorbitant demands.
The Hammers were close to selling him to City for around £86m before the spot-fixing saga started.
While West Ham are aware that they cannot expect a similar fee, they’d certainly demand a significant figure to part ways with one of their most prized assets.
If Tottenham act on their interest, it wouldn’t be the first time that both clubs are doing business this summer.
Spurs signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham in a £55m deal. The Ghanaian was the first to cross the divide between both clubs since Scott Parker 14 years ago.
Paqueta’s stock has plummeted over the past 12 months. He’s now valued at £24m, so it remains to be seen what it’ll take for West Ham to consider cutting him loose this summer.