Hammer Paqueta a wanted man

CandH Exclusive

Lucas Paqueta is a wanted man!

Claret and Hugh understands  the brilliant Brazilian attacking midfielder has arrived very clearly on Newcastle’s radar following the player’s change of agents.

The 26 year old cost the Hammers £50 million as their record signing last season and has a contract at the London Stadium until 2027 with a year’s option attached.

So should the Toon come for him this summer it is going to be very hard for David Moyes to let him leave so soon after Declan Rice’s departure and with Tomas Soucek still unhappy at not being offered a new deal.

Paqueta got better and better as the season progressed and was responsible for the exquisite assist which saw Jarrod Bowen pounce on his wonderful pass to score the goal that won the Conference Final against Fiorentina.

However, we learned tonight that Eddie Howe has been discussing the possibility of taking him to St James’ with a variety of agents.

Should an offer come in with which the Hammers agree – highly unlikely – the Brazilian would command a transfer fee in the region of £75 million to £80 million/