Graham Potter intent on keeping Lucas Paqueta at West Ham

Manager Graham Potter has made it clear to West Ham United that he wants Lucas Paqueta to stay at the club, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. 

The Football Association (FA) recently cleared the Brazilian over spot-fixing charges, which means the Hammers can now sell him this summer. 

It recently emerged that Paqueta is considering leaving the London club after a difficult 18 months on a personal level following the allegations. 

However, Potter has intervened and assured the attacking midfielder of the important role he has at the club.

Manchester City showed interest in Paqueta before the spot-fixing allegations scuppered a move. 

But Newcastle United have recently emerged as a suitor for the Brazil international. 

The Magpies have had an underwhelming summer transfer window, missing out on several key targets. 

Newcastle could make a concrete move for the former Lyon star in a bid to lift the mood around the club. 

Paqueta endured a disappointing 2024-25 campaign at West Ham, scoring just four goals in 33 Premier League appearances. 

But losing the midfielder at this stage of the transfer window would be a big blow for the Hammers, who have little time left to find an adequate replacement. 

They have made a poor start to the new campaign, losing their opening league fixture to Sunderland on Saturday. 

West Ham were expected to defeat the newly promoted side, but they fell to a shocking 3-0 defeat after second-half goals from Eliezer Mayenda, Daniel Ballard and Wilson Isidor. 

Stats from Transfermarkt.