West Ham have been dealt a hammer blow as it has been revealed that Lucas Paqueta wants to leave in January, reports The Times.

Paqueta was cleared of match fixing charges in the summer and was keen to depart the east London side earlier this year.

Paqueta came close to leaving West Ham for Manchester City in an £85m deal in 2023 when it emerged the midfielder was being investigated into betting patterns and subsequently charged.

City, though, opted against renewing their interest in Paqueta after he was cleared.

Aston Villa were heavily linked with a move for the Brazil international but a switch to Villa Park failed to come to fruition. A loan switch to Brazilian giants Flamengo was also rejected by West Ham.

The 28-year-old has scored twice in the opening nine games of the season, including a penalty at Nottingham Forest where it looked as though Paqueta had committed to the club.

Paqueta wants out of the London Stadium

However, the midfielder is now looking to leave the London Stadium in the New Year as West Ham’s season spirals out of control.

The Hammers have won just one league game this season, that a 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest back in August.

West Ham, who sacked Graham Potter and replaced him with Nuno Espirito Santo last month, have lost five of their last six and sit just two points above 20th-placed Wolves.

In addition, the fans have been protesting against the board and how they run the club, which included a boycott in the recent 2-0 home loss to Brentford.

Further protests are expected when they host Newcastle and Burnley between now and the international break.

Midfielder still a key man for Brazil

Despite West Ham’s perilous position in the table, Paqueta is still a regular for the Brazil national team and is expected to make their World Cup squad next summer.

Brazil faltered in their qualification campaign and are hoping the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti earlier this year will inspire the South American giants in the US in 2026.