Flamengo president Rodolfo Landim has admitted the Brazilian club are keen on a move for West Ham United’s Lucas Paquetá and conversations have been held.
UOL cover comments from the Flamengo president today on the developing subject of the West Ham man, whose future is yet to be determined.
The midfielder is currently facing an investigation into alleged betting offences that could see him banned for life if the claims, which he strenuously denies despite an FA charge and ongoing investigation in Brazil, are found to be true.
In the meantime, Paquetá has been linked with a return to his homeland, with Flamengo, his former club, keen on bringing him back from West Ham if they can.
Several reports in Brazil have made it clear that Flamengo believe there is a deal there to be done and West Ham can be convinced to sell, or even loan the midfielder out.
Landim has now confirmed they are keen on him, with UOL reporting he appeared on the Charla Podcast and ‘confirmed conversations’ about the possibility of a transfer this summer.
“Paquetá, we have to analyze an opportunity,” he is quoted as saying.
“He is a player who has a contract and, from the news we have, he would be sold for £85m. There’s the whole complication involving him and that was kind of left aside. We are interested in him, obviously.”
Bolavip, meanwhile, report that West Ham United have now opened up to the idea of selling Paquetá this summer.
According to them, Paquetá’s agents have informed West Ham that the midfielder wants to seek new opportunities and return to Brazil.
As a result, they have decided to listen to proposals for the player and Flamengo have been informed about this. West Ham want more than €30m to sanction a sale, but Flamengo believe that they can do a deal for a slightly lower amount.
Flamengo vice president Marcos Braz therefore intends to open talks with West Ham again, with a growing confidence a deal can be done after all.
