West Ham have “denied” claims that they will accept bids of £50m for Lucas Paqueta when the transfer window opens, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

There have been reports suggesting the Brazilian has asked to leave the London Stadium but Jacobs says the player has not handed in a transfer request.

With that being the case, the club are fully intending to keep Paqueta in January, even if they do receive approaches for the midfielder.

The 28-year-old is closing in on the final 18 months of his contract with the Hammers, but despite the ongoing speculation about his future, the club are not looking to sell.

Villa have decided against making another move for the player

Aston Villa were reportedly close to agreeing terms on signing Paqueta in the summer, but the transfer collapsed.

Head coach Unai Emery is said to have been the one pushing for the Villans to buy him, but the club’s financial situation means that they will not be in a position to table another offer in the New Year, even if the player is made available again.

Will any other clubs pursue a deal for Paqueta?

There have been suggestions that Manchester United are interested in the Brazilian international but those rumours have been refuted by another journalist, Fabrizio Romano.

Tottenham also showed some interest in Paqueta before the start of this campaign, but they opted to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig instead.

At this stage, it seems like Paqueta will be staying with the Irons, at least until the end of the season. A decision on his future will, however, need to be made soon. His contract situation means they will either have to sell next summer or risk losing him for nothing in 2027.

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