Hammers reveal Paqueta signing truth

By Hughie Southon

West Ham have revealed through Claret and Hugh that reports we are attempting to sign Lyon star Lucas  Paqueta are correct.

But a key source at the London Stadium insists we have offered more than the £33,7 million which has been declared by various sources on the story and originated by The Athletic.

Talks are continuing but our source insists that the deal is some way from being done declaring that as things stand we are about 25 per cent towards doing so,

It would be a very big signing indeed for a player who still has three years left on his present deal after becoming a major face at the French club.

Our source told us: “We are in talks for the player but the bid was higher than the near £34 million being reported and as things stand we are around 25 per cent of it happening.”

The 25-year-old is believed to be best suited to the number 10 role, but can  play wide on the right or as a centre forward.

In 80 appearances for Lyon, Paqueta has contributed 21 goals and 14 assists.