Tottenham Hotspur have held fresh discussions with the representatives of Lucas Paqueta over a potential move to Hotspur Way and have discovered that the West Ham United star is open to leaving his current surroundings before the fast-approaching transfer deadline, according to GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano.
Spurs have already raided the Hammers since the summer window opened for business, with Ghana international Mohammed Kudus completing a £55million switch last month, but head coach Thomas Frank is threatening to return to the London Stadium for another big-money acquisition before Monday.
Spurs Hold Discussions Over Paqueta Deal
Lucas Paqueta in action for West Ham United
Tottenham have upped the ante in their pursuit of Paqueta by contacting his agent today, according to respected journalist Romano, leading to the north Londoners discovering that he is interested in walking away from West Ham if the right opportunity arises ahead of Monday's 7pm cut-off point. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the transfer expert said:
"I confirm my information I gave you last night on Lucas Paqueta. Tottenham had new contacts today with the agents of Lucas Paqueta, and Paqueta is an option being considered by Tottenham for the No.10 position. Paqueta is open to leaving West Ham, as I told you days ago.
"Tottenham are considering this move for Paqueta. It's not something imminent or something close, but Paqueta is an option. They made contact to understand the details of the deal for the Brazilian. Paqueta also has some interest from Saudi Arabia, but his priority would be Europe."
West Ham are in a strong negotiating position as Paqueta still has two years remaining on his £150,000-per-week contract, which could complicate matters for Tottenham, but Frank is continuing to keep tabs on his situation and has been considering entering last-minute negotiations for his signature.
The playmaker is in Spurs' sights after the north Londoners were forced to contend with their move for Eberechi Eze being hijacked by arch-rivals Arsenal last week, resulting in alternative targets being identified as they continue searching for additional creativity in the final third of the pitch.
Paqueta was officially cleared of spot-fixing charges earlier this month, following a lengthy investigation by the Football Association, resulting in Tottenham and other admirers being able to head into talks without there being fears that he will be banned shortly after his arrival.
More to follow