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Flamengo continue to be very keen on signing Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United this summer, with a belief that the gambling charges hanging over his head can be dealt with.

Previous reports in Brazil have explained Flamengo believe they could drag the legal process out and then if there was any ban make sure it didn’t apply to him playing in his home country.

That, of course, seems widely optimistic, especially when it’s considered what happened with Sandro Tonali at Newcastle United.

However, the belief is there and the club are pushing ahead to try and secure the midfielder. Brazil’s TNT Sports report Flamengo are insisting on the signing.

They believe Paqueta can help the move happen by putting pressure on West Ham to let him go. Given that, it’s thought the player’s return to pre-season training with the Hammers could prove key in their quest.

Optimism all round then for Flamengo, whether that optimism is blind or otherwise should become clearer in the coming weeks and months.