Aston Villa have intensified their pursuit of Lucas Paqueta with Fabrizio Romano reporting fresh progress in transfer talks.
The Italian transfer expert stated: "Understand Aston Villa are now advancing in talks to sign Lucas Paqueta. Negotiations underway with West Ham while Paqueta is keen on #AVFC move."
The 28-year-old Brazilian is now at the centre of Villa’s late window plans as Unai Emery looks for a creative spark after a winless start to the season.
Paqueta has been a key player for West Ham United since his 2022 arrival from Lyon, helping them win the UEFA Conference League in 2023 and combining superbly with Jarrod Bowen to keep East London side in the Premier League.
His flair, vision and pressing intensity has made him a vital part of Graham Potter's team, which is why it won’t be cheap to prise him away.
An exit deal could cost in the region of £60m [$81m] to get West Ham to sell, a fee Villa are reportedly willing to pay, given their need for a midfield refresh.
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Lucas Paqueta deal could make him Aston Villa’s highest earner
Reportedly, Paqueta earns £150,000 [$202,000] a week at West Ham and any deal by Unai Emery side would put him on the same wage as Villa’s top earners Emiliano Martinez, Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara.