West Ham attacker has his heart set on exit - but Premier League side wants to keep him for relegation scrap

The Hammers are currently 18th in the Premier League table, and on a winless run that stretches back to November last year.

If West Ham is relegated to the Championship, top players like Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse are expected to jump ship, but some might be trying to get ahead on a move away from the London-based club.

Paqueta is thought to be one of those players, according to GiveMeSport - the Brazilian was left out of Sunday’s FA Cup third-round win over QPR and was also linked with a move away during the summer.

In August last year, Paqueta seemed to commit his future to West Ham after scoring against Aston Villa, celebrating by throwing away a phone gesture and kissing the club badge.

Now, Paqueta is said to be keen on a return to Brazil after three and a half years in east London. Tottenham and Aston Villa both retain a long-standing interest, and Spurs are expected to look for midfield reinforcements in January with Rodrigo Bentancur likely to miss around three months after needing hamstring surgery.

While another Premier League approach cannot be ruled out, it is believed the 28-year-old would prefer a move back to Flamengo. West Ham would also favour a sale outside the Premier League if he does leave.

Paqueta, who has scored four goals this season, spoke openly in November about his desire to join Filipe Luis’ side but chose to stay out of loyalty to West Ham. The club stood by him during an FA investigation into alleged spot-fixing, charges he was later cleared of.

“I know about Flamengo’s desire to sign me, and they know about my desire and my passion for the club,” Paqueta told Globo last year. “When I was accused and the process began, Marcos Braz came to my house, made an offer and asked what I thought.

“I’ve always wanted to go back to Flamengo, but I also spoke to the West Ham directors and said I couldn’t be ungrateful to a club that was supporting me so much. They helped me at all times, so I couldn’t force an exit from a place where I was being respected.”

West Ham are aware of Paqueta’s position and would consider a sale, but their preference is to keep him until at least the end of the season.