The Times: West Ham United is in deep relegation crisis, Paqueta hopes to leave the team in the winter window

According to the "Times" on October 29, West Ham is in a relegation crisis and midfielder Lucas Paqueta hopes to leave the team in January.

The 28-year-old Brazilian midfielder sought to leave the team after being cleared of betting violations in July this year, but West Ham United rejected Aston Villa's offer in the final days before the window closed. Although Flamengo has proposed a loan plan (which has been rejected), there has been no other substantial purchase intention from English football, and it is still uncertain whether the Brazilian club has the financial resources to make a permanent transfer.

Paqueta's contract will last until 2027. He has scored two goals for West Ham United this season. The team is currently 4 points away from the safety zone and ranks second to last in the Premier League - losing seven of nine league games and conceding 20 goals. The club's management and operating model have triggered protests from fans.

Despite many turmoils on and off the field, he has continued to be called up to the Brazilian national team in the past 18 months and is expected to be selected for the World Cup finals. In a friendly match against Japan this month, he provided an assist for Gabriel Martinelli's goal.

In August 2023, West Ham United was ready to sell it to Manchester City for 85 million pounds, but the Football Association immediately launched a betting model investigation and filed charges. Manchester City have lost interest in Paqueta this summer when West Ham United were willing to sell for more than the £51 million transfer fee paid to Lyon in 2022.

West Ham United, which is about to announce a huge loss last season, may also need to raise funds by selling players in January, but the key lies in whether the team can still maintain hope of relegation when the transfer window restarts.

Coach Nuno hopes to sign fulcrum forwards and defenders, and is eager to sell Ward-Prowse. The midfielder has been omitted from four consecutive games since Nuno replaced Graham Potter.

West Ham United will host Newcastle United on Sunday, and some fans plan to launch a sit-in protest after the final whistle. The team will also face Burnley six days later.