West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta open to returning to Flamengo this summer | OneFootball

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta thinks now might be the time for a fresh start and is dreaming of a return to Flamengo, according to the Sun.

The 27-year-old Hammers star is facing a lifetime ban over a betting probe, but his childhood club are keen to make a deal happen if they can.

West Ham are not in a rush to sell Paqueta, but he could fetch them around £30 million in the market, which would come in handy as manager Graham Potter eyes major additions this summer.

Paqueta remains under investigation for alleged breaches of betting rules, but he is also continuing to attract interest from long-term admirers Manchester City.

However, a return home could appeal to him, but a transfer decision is unlikely to be reached until the end of the ongoing investigation.

Flamengo have been impressing at the ongoing Club World Cup and will face Bayern Munich in the round of 16 on Sunday, but whether they can afford to sign Paqueta if he becomes available remains to be seen.

He featured in 36 games last term but had a hand in only five goals having suffered a huge dip in form as a result of the psychological toll the betting probe had on him.

The Hammers star continues to maintain his innocence, but he could be banned for life if found guilty, which could see West Ham be left with no choice but to terminate his contract.

Should he be declared not guilty, the Irons will not want to lose such a player, but it appears he wants to return home to continue plying his trade and the club should have replacements lined up for him as they prepare for next season.

They finished 14th in the Premier League last term and will need to make quality recruitment if they wish to do better next campaign and qualify for Europe at the end of the season.