Aston Villa could make sensational January return for Lucas Paqueta as West Ham intentions made clear
Aston Villa summer target Lucas Paqueta has supposedly made it clear that he wants to leave West Ham in the January transfer window.
Paqueta was high up among priorities for Villa in the summer transfer window, but the Hammers ultimately managed to keep hold of the midfielder.
But after just nine Premier League games, of which West Ham have managed to win just one, the Brazilian once again appears to be getting cold feet.
Villa ended their pursuit of Paqueta by signing Harvey Elliott on transfer deadline day, with the England youth international joining on loan with an obligation to buy next summer.
However, Unai Emery left Elliott out of the squad to face Manchester City, with the 22-year-old amassing just 96 minutes of Premier League football this season so far.
Aston Villa could return for Lucas Paqueta
There has been suggestions that Villa are leaving Elliott out for financial reasons, with the obligation reportedly only set to be activated when the midfielder makes 10 appearances.
With the 22-year-old having already made five appearances this season, however, it would seem unthinkable for him not to make at least another five throughout the rest of the season.
| Aston Villa- last five fixtures | Harvey Elliott – minutes played |
| Manchester City (H) | 0 |
| Go Ahead Eagles (A) | 0 |
| Tottenham (A) | 0 |
| Burnley (H) | 0 |
| Feyenoord (A) | 4 |
It is clear that Emery was not an advocate for Elliott‘s arrival, however, and the Villans could look to make arrangements to avoid paying the £35million due next summer.
Such a deal could allow them to re-enter the race for Paqueta. The Times reported on Tuesday that the Brazilian is eager to depart the London Stadium in January.
Whether Villa would have the budget under the Profit and Sustainability Rules, or would even want to return for the 28-year-old, remains to be seen.
Emi Buendia injury could carry weight
Emi Buendia was forced off in the first half of Villa’s win over Manchester City on Sunday, with an update on the midfielder yet to be provided.
Physio Scout analysed the footage of the injury, however, and has given a worrying verdict.
“Not much via the video, but palpated area brings concern for a midfoot ligament injury (Lisfranc) or a fracture,” the injury analyst wrote.
“He’ll be lucky to avoid several weeks away from football. Foot area usually tends to be difficult to predict recovery times.”
Should Buendia face an extended period on the injury table, Villa may well be forced to act, and they may well turn to Paqueta in the January transfer window.
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