‘West Ham plan to accept Lucas Paqueta offer after FA ban latest’

West Ham are prepared to entertain offers for Lucas Paqueta in a bid to raise funds this summer, according to their former senior scout.

Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout for Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that Graham Potter is open to the 27-year-old’s exit at the right price.

However, clubs are currently unwilling to make a move for him amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding his charge for breaching the FA’s betting rules.

As things stand, the Hammers have been left in limbo as the outcome of his hearing is not expected to be revealed until June at the earliest.

Brown explained that the only way a deal could be done is if clubs can reach an agreement subject to the result of his hearing.

This comes after Football Insider revealed in October that West Ham are looking to replace Paqueta amid the threat of a “lifetime ban” from football.

Lucas Paqueta to quit West Ham after FA hearing outcome

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has told Football Insider on 30 April that Man City will make a move for Paqueta if he is cleared of his betting charges.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has now insisted that the delays surrounding a verdict could complicate his sale.

“Paqueta would be one of the players they look to sell,” he told Football Insider.

“I think Graham Potter would be okay with selling him for the right price, if that money was reinvested into the team to improve in key positions.

“They want to do business and back the manager this summer, but they need to sell first.

“The problem is with Paqueta, he’s still got that betting charge hanging over him.