Lucas Paqueta is reportedly seeking a move away from West Ham United in the January transfer window following the club’s disastrous start to the Premier League season.

The Hammers sit 19th in the table with just one win from their opening nine games, leaving them four points adrift of safety.

West Ham’s struggles have already claimed the job of former manager Graham Potter, with Nuno Espirito Santo failing to spark an immediate turnaround.

Since his appointment, the team has drawn once and lost three matches, managing just a single goal in that period.

Lucas Paqueta seeks fresh challenge amid relegation fears

The Brazilian midfielder, who has been one of West Ham’s standout players in recent seasons, is eager to leave to improve his chances of being selected for Brazil’s World Cup squad next summer.

Although he is under contract until 2027, Paqueta reportedly feels that playing for a relegation-threatened team could damage his international prospects.

West Ham previously blocked a summer move to Aston Villa and rejected a loan offer from Flamengo, but the player is now determined to force an exit. The club is said to value him at around £60 million.

Manchester City came close to signing him for £85 million in 2023 before the deal collapsed due to an FA investigation into alleged spot-fixing, from which Paqueta has since been cleared.

West Ham face a crucial run of fixtures, starting with a home clash against Newcastle United.

A group of fans is preparing a protest against the club’s ownership, while Nuno reportedly wants to bring in a new striker and defender in January. The manager is also open to selling James Ward-Prowse, who has been out of the squad since Potter’s departure.