West Ham are closing in on signing ‘fantastic player’ as £48m bid now submitted

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West Ham United want Lucas Paqueta and a big-money deal worth more than £40million may now be close for the Lyon playmaker.

The Hammers are in the market for a number of reinforcements before next week’s transfer deadline.

Three defeats in three games to start the season is not what David Moyes had in mind, and he has already signed Emerson Palmieri from Chelsea this week.

Moyes seemingly wants to sign a midfielder, and whilst Hans Vanaken appeared to be the top target, West Ham are now focusing on Lyon star Paqueta.

West Ham United want Lucas Paqueta

West Ham made a bid for Paqueta on Wednesday, as confirmed by boss Moyes ahead of tonight’s game with Viborg.

Sky Sports claim that the bid was worth around £33.8million, but it was rejected by Lyon.

This is where things get a little complicated, because L’Equipe claim that the offer actually totalled €50million (£42million). Either way, Lyon said no.

90Min have then added that a deal worth €50million (£42million) is close to being agreed – despite it being the same value Lyon have allegedly rejected.

L’Equipe now have a new report, suggesting that West Ham have gone back in with a deal worth €57million (£48million).

It may well be that West Ham’s first offer was £33.8million rising to £42million, but now it’s £42million rising to £48million.

That would certainly explain the difference in fees being reported as West Ham chase a major deal.

Paqueta, 24, has been hailed as a ‘fantastic player’ by Lyon teammate Jerome Boateng and has shown outstanding playmaking ability in France.

Paqueta has hit 21 goals and 14 assists in 80 games for Lyon, whilst is almost a goal contribution every other game.

Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals haven’t exactly impressed so far this season and we could see Paqueta go straight in as West Ham’s new number 10.

The Brazilian would mark an enormous capture for West Ham and whilst there is still plenty of work to be done, they seem to be moving in the right direction for Paqueta’s signature.