![\"Lucas](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-Split-2026-01-16T195242.280-1140x641.jpg\")
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Credit: Imago<\/p>\n
![\"Josh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/00b64913d297112f0119828c00681b23.png\")
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Fri 16 January 2026 20:10, UK <\/p>\n
West Ham has identified Lucas Paqueta\u2019s potential replacement.<\/p>\n
West Ham<\/a> have added two new faces to their squad in Taty Castellanos and Pablo, but Nuno Espirito Santo still wants more.<\/p>\n Creativity has been an issue for the Hammers, making the arrival of someone who can change that somewhat of a priority in January.<\/p>\n With Paqueta eyeing an exit from the London Stadium<\/a>, the Irons are going to have to ramp up those efforts to sign a new playmaker, with a Man City star identified as a potential candidate.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n West Ham eye Mateo Kovacic deal<\/p>\n West Ham have been linked with Mateo Kovacic in the past, with the Croatian international having impressed throughout his time with Chelsea.<\/p>\n The Hammers never seemed to push too far with their interest, with Kovacic making the move to Man City in the past summer transfer window.<\/p>\n Injuries have hampered his progress at the Etihad, with the 31-year-old limited to just two appearances as a result of an injury sustained in November, which is expected to rule him out until February, or even March.<\/p>\n However, a report from Jornal O Dia claims that West Ham want to sign Kovacic to replace Paqueta<\/a>, who looks destined for a return to his home country.<\/p>\n It\u2019s been reported that the Hammers have already opened talks for the midfielder, with AC Milan also rumoured to be interested.<\/p>\n What\u2019s the latest on Lucas Paqueta\u2019s exit?<\/p>\n Flamengo look to be Paqueta\u2019s next destination<\/a>, with the Brazilian having expressed a desire to leave West Ham in favour of a move there this January.<\/p>\n The Hammers midfielder reportedly refused to feature for West Ham in their FA Cup clash with QPR, and is also expected to miss their encounter with Tottenham on Saturday.<\/p>\n A back injury is claimed to be the reason behind that, though very few will believe it, given the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.<\/p>\n However, sources have stressed that Paqueta is likely to stay at the London Stadium<\/a> for the rest of the current campaign and help his side avoid relegation.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a chance that West Ham could agree a fee for his sale, but secure his services on loan for the rest of the season, with that type of deal likely to benefit all parties.<\/p>\n