Tottenham have reportedly launched a surprise £50million bid for West Ham attacker Lucas Paquetá, according to reports from South America.
Speculation gathered pace on Monday claiming the Brazilian has asked to leave West Ham during the current window, with Spurs—who face the Hammers next—emerging as shock suitors.
Paquetá was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham last summer, but the deal never materialised and he stayed put at the London Stadium. At the time, it was suggested Spurs could sign him for around £40m, though that now appears unrealistic.
While Paquetá’s form at West Ham has been inconsistent, the club are unwilling to sell him for less than his valuation. UOL journalist Rodrigo Mattos reported on Monday evening that Tottenham submitted a £50m offer, but the player has made it clear he is not interested in a move to north London.
Elsewhere, it has been widely reported that Paquetá’s preference is a return to Brazil, with Flamengo his desired destination. Mattos adds that talks between Flamengo and West Ham were scheduled for Monday as both clubs look to resolve the situation.
The update all but rules out a Tottenham move this month, raising questions over why Spurs were prepared to go as high as £50m. If genuine, the interest may fuel suggestions that Mathys Tel could be on his way out, given the overlap in attacking roles.
Paquetá primarily operates as an attacking midfielder but can also feature out wide, while Tel is used centrally or from the left. With the January window entering its final weeks, Tottenham will now hope to redirect that reported £50m towards a more suitable target.
