West Ham are very keen on signing Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

He reported last week that the Hammers had made contact about recruiting the 20-year-old on loan ahead of the January transfer window.

It is believed that the enquiry for Mainoo was knocked back, but since then, there has been speculation about a player moving in the other direction to Old Trafford.

Man United have been linked with a bid for Lucas Paqueta, and while Romano himself says he can’t confirm the club’s interest in the Brazilian, he says the player is considering his future and could leave West Ham in the New Year.

Paqueta has been looking for a way out

Both Tottenham and Aston Villa made attempts to sign the 28-year-old in the summer, and it is believed the latter came very close to agreeing a deal with the player.

However, it was eventually decided that Paqueta’s departure would not be sanctioned. There have been further claims in recent days that he has asked for a transfer, although that story has been played down by both the midfielder and his agents.

A swap deal for Mainoo would benefit West Ham

The loan enquiry for the Man United midfielder demonstrated that the club are not in a position to sign him on a permanent basis. However, if the Red Devils do want Paqueta, that could change things.

Last summer, it was reported that Mainoo’s price tag was £45m, and with Paqueta’s value deemed to be in the £50m to £60m range, there is scope for a straight swap.

Of course, there are A LOT of assumptions being made here. It depends on whether Man United are seriously interested in Paqueta and whether they are willing to agree to Mainoo’s permanent departure.

Even so, it would be a player exchange that would be very beneficial for West Ham, recruiting a talented young midfielder while dispensing with someone who doesn’t seem to be 100% committed to the cause.

Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here