According to West Ham United transfer source Claret and Hugh (as relayed by TEAMtalk), Tottenham Hotspur are one of four Premier League sides plotting a move for Lucas Paqueta next summer.
The report points out that Paqueta came quite close to completing a switch to Manchester City last summer after the Premier League champions agreed a fee with the Hammers.
However, City pulled out of the deal at the last moment after it surfaced that the FA opened an investigation into the Brazilian for alleged breaches of betting rules.
Tottenham like the look of Lucas Paqueta
It is explained that even though that situation is yet to be resolved, several clubs are now queuing up to secure Paqueta in the summer.
It is alleged that Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United and Aston Villa are all ready to bid for the 26-year-old when the transfer window opens in June.
The report adds that Paqueta has a release clause of £80m in his contract at the London Stadium, with West Ham thus being powerless to stop him from leaving if that is activated.
Spurs Web Opinion
Given the Premier League’s decision to crack down on the clubs who do not comply with the Profit and Sustainability Rules, transfer spending is likely to go down substantially next summer. That is why I would be quite surprised if any club decide to activate Paqueta’s £80m release clause.