West Ham are still planning their side around midfield star Lucas Paqueta, sources have told Football Insider.

Uncertainty prevails around the 26-year-old’s immediate and long-term future after he was hit with six FA charges in May.

The allegations revolve around potential spot-fixing surrounding yellow cards received in four Premier League games.

Paqueta denied the allegations in a statement and said he was “extremely surprised and upset” by the charges.

And in new details to emerge from Brazil, the midfielder has been linked with a return to Flamengo, who have reportedly been trying to agree a loan deal despite the charges aimed against him.

West Ham plan to build around Paqueta and Kudus despite uncertainty

Sources say the priority for West Ham remains for the club to keep both Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus at the London Stadium.

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (9 July) that the Irons will resist bids for Kudus despite his recent media comments on a move away.

Paqueta and the Ghana international were the two star men for the club in the 2023-24 campaign as they finished ninth in the Premier League.

The Brazil international, who has been playing for his country at Copa America this summer, notched eight goals and seven assists in 43 appearances last term.

Paqueta joined West Ham two years ago from Lyon and was close to a move to Man City last summer (2023).

The midfielder is under contract at the London Stadium until June 2027 – with the Irons holding the option to extend that deal an extra 12 months.

In other news, West Ham expect defender bids after £35million reveal.

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