Espirito Santo hoping to find ‘solution’ to Paqueta’s future – and provides latest injury update

Nuno Espirito Santo says he, the club and Lucas Paqueta must find a “solution” to the midfielder’s future.

Paqueta’s former club Flamengo are keen on signing the 28-year-old this month.

“I think it’s a situation that we have to solve, all of us at the club,” Espirito Santo said when asked about Paqueta’s future.

“We always want our best players to be involved. He is one of our best players so let’s try to solve the situation.

“My job is to prepare the team and prepare the team with the best players that we have.

“Lucas is one of the best players so my job is to try to get the best out of all of them.”

Paqueta missed the FA Cup win over QPR but the Hammers boss says he is not yet sure whether the Brazilian will be involved against Tottenham on Saturday.

Konstantinos Mavropanos and Matheus Fernandes are also doubts.

“All of them are recovering from different things,” Espirito Santo said.

“Dino (Mavropanos) has had a neck (problem). It took some time and is still painful.

“Matheus is back doing individual sessions, Lucas is still in treatment.

“Let’s see. We have a couple of days to go.”