West Ham United are willing to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if he is loaned back for the rest of the season, a condition Flamengo are reluctant to accept. Flamengo have had a €35m bid rejected and may raise their offer to €40m, but believe they can wait to buy him more cheaply in the summer.
Paquetá wants to return to Brazil after a difficult spell in England following spot-fixing allegations that ended a proposed move to Manchester City. West Ham, locked in a relegation battle, fear losing him now could worsen their prospects. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo has said the situation must be resolved quickly, as the club weighs financial gain against survival risks.
