By SIMON JONES
Published: | Updated:
Tottenham and Aston Villa will continue to monitor developments with West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta this week.
The Brazilian is open to leaving West Ham for Champions League football after enduring a tough past 12 months following betting allegations and Spurs and Villa are among a number of clubs interested in the 27-year old, as reported by Daily Mail Sport.
West Ham are striving to add more players to strengthen Graham Potter‘s squad after a poor start to the season with two defeats and eight goals conceded.
They have made offers for numerous midfielders but have struggled to get deals over the line with prices escalating.
Paqueta, who was wanted by Manchester City in the summer of 2023, could yet be allowed to go if suitable offers come in and allow the club to bolster first team options.
Spurs have already signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham but want an attacking midfielder following James Maddison‘s injury and after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze.
Tottenham and Aston Villa are keeping tabs on West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta
The Brazilian was recently cleared of FA spot-fixing charges that scuppered a potential move to Man City in 2023
Spurs are continuing in their hunt for new additions this summer after missing out on Eberechi Eze who joined Arsenal last week
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They are prioritising a number 10 and winger in the remaining days of the window with Manchester City’s Savinho also in focus. Thomas Frank would also like another centre-back.
They have tried for Nico Paz at Como but he is holding out for a move to Real Madrid next summer while Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche is another option.
Paqueta at least has Premier League experience but Spurs are aware that Aston Villa are also interested.
Villa have asked about Chelsea pair Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku as well as discussing the possible return of Marco Asensio on loan from Paris St Germain. They are working within financial constraints so may have to be creative in their offers.
They have sold West Ham target Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle and sent Leon Bailey to Roma for an initial £1.2m loan fee. They have also rebuffed interest from Everton in John McGinn.
Indeed, Everton manager David Moyes is another admirer of Paqueta as well as clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Wrexham are continuing to negotiate for West Ham midfielder Andy Irving. The Championship side are also keen on Rennes midfielder Jordan James.
