Lucas Paqueta wants to exit West Ham in January | OneFootball

Lucas Paqueta is eager to leave West Ham United in the winter transfer window after failing to secure a move to Aston Villa in the summer, according to the Times.

The 28-year-old wanted to join the Midlands side after being cleared of spot-fixing charges in July. 

But West Ham decided to block the move with only a few days left until the transfer deadline.

They could be open to a deal in the next transfer window, as they are desperate for cash to make new signings.  

Paqueta has posted a social media response to rumours suggesting he is happy at the London Stadium.

Paqueta has been a key player for the Hammers this season. He has started all nine Premier League matches and scored two goals. 

The 28-year-old has scored 21 goals in 130 appearances since joining the club in August 2022. 

West Ham have had a challenging start to the new campaign, having sacked manager Graham Potter and appointed Nuno Espirito Santo in September. 

But there has not been a ‘new manager bounce’ under Nuno, who has lost three of his four top-flight games in charge. 

West Ham are 19th in the Premier League table after collecting four points from nine matches. 

Stats from Transfermarkt.