Lucas Paqueta's Premier League escape route?! West Ham ace wants Brazil move but summer transfer hinges on spot-fixing trial

Per Fabricio Lopes, via Bolavip Brasil, Paqueta is seeking a summer exit from West Ham and is interested in a move to Brazil, where Flamengo want to sign him on loan. However, any deal is contingent on the attacking midfielder being found innocent of spot-fixing charges; his trial has been adjourned until the summer.

Paqueta is facing a lifetime ban if found guilty at the trial, after he was accused of being booked intentionally in order to financially benefit friends and family in Brazil. Paqueta strongly denies any wrongdoing. However, the delay over his trial threatens to once again place Paqueta in limbo. He has already seen a move to Manchester City fall through because of the charges.

Paqueta has been left frustrated by West Ham's form and is said to be willing to take a significant pay cut to join Flamengo. The Irons are said to be willing to negotiate but, again, it is unclear if they will be able to sell the player, or if he will be banned. He has scored four league goals this term.

The Hammers are 17th in the Premier League table but are 15 points clear of 18th-placed Ipswich Town, so relegation is hardly a concern.