Paqueta gets encouraging news

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been included in a Brazil squad for the first time since he was involved in the investigation began in August into suspicious betting. It is probably too early to read too much into the situation or hope the Brazilian authorities have heard something about the player’s current position in the probe.

However, it will encourage the midfielder in a big way and is a reminder of the sensational form he has produced this season as he looks to lift the Hammers towards the top six.

The new Brazilian coach Dorival Júnior named eight new players in the 26-man squad for friendlies against England and Spain this month. Brazil play England on March 23 and Spain three days later.

It was of course the betting allegations against Paqueta which saw the fall of his offseason move to Manchester City and thus far the Football Association have revealed no details of where they at as far as the probe is concerned.