Man Utd ‘very keen’ to complete January deal after FAILED €100m transfer

Manchester United have reportedly initiated contact with West Ham United as they eye a blockbuster January move for Lucas Paqueta.

The Brazil international has been heavily linked with a West Ham departure for several years, with a proposed €100 million move to Manchester City infamously falling through due to an investigation from the FA into alleged betting breaches.

The 28-year-old has now been cleared of misconduct charges and he has now emerged as a possible January target for Man Utd.

The Red Devils are eager to bolster their midfield ranks and Paqueta has been earmarked as a possible alternative to the likes of Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson.

That is according to renowned X account IndyKaila, who claims that Man Utd have contacted West Ham to understand the conditions of a potential deal. It’s reported that Ruben Amorim’s side are “very keen” to finalise a transfer in January if they consider West Ham’s asking price to be a “fair market valuation.”

Paqueta’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €63.1m, while the 28-year-old’s existing contract at West Ham is due to expire in 2027.

Lucas Paqueta to leave West Ham?

News of Man Utd’s interest in Paqueta comes after The Sun reported that he is desperate to leave West Ham during the January transfer window.

The Brazilian was close to joining Aston Villa this summer, however West Ham were reluctant to sanction a sale and the deal ultimately collapsed. Despite this, Paqueta is still eager to depart the Hammers and he has set his sights on quitting the club in January.

Brazilian club Flamengo are also monitoring the 28-year-old’s situation, although they are unlikely to have the funds to match West Ham’s current asking price of €68m (£60m).

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are currently languishing down in 19th place in the Premier League table, following a dismal start to the season, and they face an uphill battle to avoid relegation back down the Championship.

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