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West Ham United are aiming to rise up the table over the coming weeks, though they may need to come to a conclusion on the future of one key star who is now attracting serious interest.
Nuno and West Ham finalise coaching staff appointments
Nuno Espirito Santo hasn’t been in the door long at West Ham and has had plenty to sort out in his limited time at the London Stadium, though he will be pleased to have fully onboarded his coaching staff after an announcement was made on Saturday.
Mark Robson, Gerard Prenderville and Steve Potts are now full-time first-team coaches. Meanwhile, Billy Lepine will work with their goalkeeping group to complete their list of new staff.
Speaking after the announcement, Nuno said: “I am very happy that Mark, Steve, Gerard and Billy have agreed to continue in their positions permanently. They are a great asset: people who, beyond their knowledge and effort, feel for West Ham United. This is key to the challenge we are currently facing.
“I’ve been very impressed by their work, their knowledge and their commitment to West Ham United. They know the Club, the players and the people here very well, and that’s a great strength for us going forward.”
Managing a club that have underperformed of late comes with a responsibility to make bold decisions. Taking a step in that direction, Nuno has sidelined West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse as he looks to mix things up in the engine room.
Now, the Hammers may soon need to deal with an enforced change in the middle of the park if reports are to be believed surrounding the future of a London Stadium star.
Flamengo to submit Lucas Paqueta offer
According to Bolavip, Flamengo are set to submit an official offer for West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta, and they believe a deal could be doable, with the report stating that the former Lyon man isn’t entirely happy in the English capital.
Talks are accelerating over a potential transfer that could take place in January, albeit it isn’t yet clear whether the 28-year-old would be open to moving before the 2026 World Cup.
Lucas Paqueta’s Premier League season
Chances created
11
Passes completed
250
Shots
9
Goals
2
Assists
All statistics courtesy of Fotmob
Labelled a “maverick” by David Moyes, Paqueta has scored 21 times in 128 appearances for West Ham and can operate in a variety of positions, including attacking midfield, central midfield or on the left flank.
Nuno has relied on the South American thus far, starting him against both Everton and Arsenal, with there being little doubt he is one of West Ham’s star men when playing at the peak of his ability.
After being cleared of misconduct for alleged betting breaches earlier this year, he is currently on international duty with Brazil and came off the bench during their 5-0 triumph over South Korea on Friday.
With his importance to the West Ham cause undeniable, Nuno will hope to pull out all the stops to prevent the £150,000 per week star from moving back to his homeland permanently.
However, any reasonable bid could test chairman David Sullivan’s resolve, considering Paqueta is out of contract in 2027.
