TalkSPORT understands Lucas Paqueta is ready to leave West Ham this month.
The Brazilian midfielder was left out of the squad for Sunday’s FA Cup third round win over QPR at the London Stadium.
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It is understood the former Lyon star is keen to return home after three-and-a-half years in east London.
Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa also have a historic interest in the 28-year-old, who is tied to West Ham until 2027.
However, due to interest from Flamengo, Paqueta prefers a move back to Brazil.
Pack up?
Hammers coach Nuno Espirito Santo wants Paqueta to stay at the club beyond the winter window to avoid relegation.
After 21 games played, West Ham currently sit in 18th place and face the very real prospect of being relegated to the Championship for the first time since the 2010/11 season.
They are seven points behind safety ahead of clashes with Tottenham, Sunderland and Chelsea.
In his fourth season at West Ham, Paqueta has already scored his best goal tally in three Premier League games.
Paqueta has scored four goals – the same tally as in each of his first three years in England.
In total, he has scored five goals and registered a single assist in 19 games across all competitions.
Only captain Jarrod Bowen has scored more goals for West Ham this season.
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Paqueta is regularly linked with a move away from West Ham in 2026 after failing to secure a move last summer.
Villa offered £47m for his services but it wasn’t the Midlands side he came closest to.
The 2023 Europa Conference League winner said in November that he wanted to join Flamengo but stayed at West Ham out of loyalty.
He explained that he wanted to show his gratitude West Ham because of the way they supported him during a Football Association investigation into spot-fixing, a claim of which he was later acquitted.
Paqueta told Brazilian broadcaster Globo: “The first moment was when [Marcelo] Braz [former vice president] was still at Flamengo, there was this contact.
“I know Flamengo’s desire and they know my desire, my passion for the club, so it’s something that always happens.”
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He continued: “As soon as I was charged and the whole trial was about to begin, Braz came to my house, made the offer and asked what I thought about it.
“Of course I always want to come back to Flamengo, but at that moment I was still a bit undecided about my decision about what to do.
“Then I also spoke to the director of West Ham and said: ‘Braz, I want to go back, I know I will feel good at Flamengo, but I can’t be ungrateful to the club that supports me so much.’
“They were very supportive at all times and helped me in various situations, so I couldn’t force the place where I was welcomed and respected.
“They respected me, my wife, my family. So I said, ‘I want you to solve this.’ But yes, this exchange with Flamengo took place.”
However, Paqueta explained that he had held talks with Flamengo boss Filipe Luis.
He noted: “Maybe I shouldn’t say this, but I’ve had a few conversations with Filipe.” [Luis]who, in addition to his work at Flamengo, is a friend.
“I really expressed my desire to return and showed it to my agents.
“It was a difficult decision because I’m 28 years old, so very young, and I still have a lot of market value outside of here. I did my job well, but it was a very strong desire.”
“And I tried very hard, but unfortunately I have once again decided to respect my club and not force anything, because it is a club that has supported me and for which I have great affection.”
“So I let it happen, and it really didn’t happen. I understood it wasn’t the right time, but I know the doors will always be open for me.
“I know that return will happen at some point.”