Lucas Paqueta is reportedly keen on a move back to his boyhood club in January, despite West Ham aiming to use him as part of a deal to sign Botafogo’s Igor Jesus.

Julen Lopetegui is said to be keeping tabs on Jesus, who has made four international appearances for Brazil this year.

As such, the Hammers could be prepared to use Paqueta as a makeweight in their pursuit on the 23-year-old striker, according to a report from the Irish Sun.

However, Brazilian side Flamengo are reportedly intent on bringing Paqueta back to the club where he started his senior career in 2016.

If given the option, the report states Paqueta would prefer a move to Flamengo, where he made 95 appearances in all competitions before departing for AC Milan in 2018.

Manchester City were linked with bringing Paqueta to the Etihad this summer, but the move ultimately did not materialise and he remained in east London.

Lucas Paqueta’s desire to return to his boyhood club in January could reportedly impact West Ham’s transfer plans

The Hammers are said to be intent on including Paqueta as part of a move to sign striker Igor Jesus from Botafogo

But Paqueta is reportedly intent on rejoining Flamengo, the club he made his senior debut with

Paqueta joined West Ham in the summer of 2022 and quickly became an integral component under then Hammers boss David Moyes.

In his maiden campaign, Paqueta made 41 appearances as the club ended their 43-year wait for a major trophy by defeating Fiorentina to capture the Europa Conference League.

Now in his third season at the London Stadium, the Brazilian has remained a consistent feature of Lopetegui’s midfield despite facing FA charges surrounding spot-fixing, an accusation he denies.

The 27-year-old is accused of being deliberately booked in an attempt to influence betting markets and is expected to face a hearing.

The Football Association alleges that Paqueta was deliberately booked in matches against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth so that either he and/or his friends could profit from bets placed on him being carded. 

Paqueta has denied all the charges against him and has previously said that he ‘will fight with every breath to clear my name’.

Around 60 people in Brazil are said to have wagered bets between £7 and £400 on him being booked in relevant games, with total winnings of £100,000.

Paqueta will face a hearing in March, If found guilty he could face a lifetime ban from football.