West Ham United are willing to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if the deal includes a loan back for the rest of the season, a condition Flamengo are reluctant to accept. Flamengo have had a €35m bid rejected and may increase their offer, but believe they could buy Paquetá more cheaply in the summer without a loan clause.
Paquetá wants to return to Brazil after a difficult spell in England following spot-fixing allegations that derailed a move to Manchester City, despite him being cleared last year. West Ham, fighting relegation, fear losing one of their best players could deepen their troubles.
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo has admitted the situation must be resolved quickly, as the club weigh financial needs against survival hopes.
