By Hughie Southon
West Ham are this afternoon (Sat) “very close indeed” to completing the deal for Lucas Paqueta.
Talks have been continuing throughout Saturday morning and our information is that things could easily be completed by later this afternoon or early evening.
Earlier reports from The Telegraph and elsewhere that the deal had been done were premature but apart from any last last minute problems, which are not foreseen, Paqueta is set to become a Hammer very soon indeed.
Sources close to the deal have told Claretandhugh that apart from some “odd tickles” here and there both the Hammers and Lyon are confident all will be well and that the deal will be done.
The entire deal – including extras – we have been told – will work out around £50 million and that personal terms are all but agreed with just some is to be dotted and ts to be crossed.
It means that in total – with agents’ fees – the Hammers will have spent around £200 million in the summer window.
I am, genuinely, not making any criticisms or adverse comments about anyone involved in this deal; but I very much hope that this player is as good as the Manager thinks he is, & that we haven’t been “seen coming” yet again.