Flamengo have already bid £30.3million for Paqueta, but that was rejected out of hand by Irons.

David Sullivan has been told that the Brazilian wants to leave, but with West Ham seven points away from Premier League safety, any deal has become complicated.

Despite several obstacles still to overcome, Paqueta is now edging closer to the exit.

Lucas Paqueta to smash transfer record

GE Globo has now reported that Flamengo and West Ham are edging closer to an agreement late on Thursday evening.

The Brazilian outlet reports that the Irons will accept a package worth around £34.7m for Paqueta, which would be a record fee for Flamengo.

There is one final barrier, however.

It is said that Paqueta’s release date will be the final barrier to a deal, with the Hammers wanting their playmaker back on loan until the end of the season.

However, Flamengo directors are optimistic about completing a deal on Friday and believe it will be finalised soon, regardless of any other demands.

Could Nuno Espirito Santo sack follow Lucas Paqueta exit?

Nuno doesn’t want Paqueta to leave; that has been made very clear.

That is despite the clear petulance on show from the playmaker in recent weeks, including that ridiculous red card in West Ham’s defeat against Liverpool.

How will he be remembered, though?

With 23 goals and 15 assists in 129 appearances, the Brazilian is likely to have wasted his prime years at the London Stadium, with so much more expected of his clear talent.

Of course, the FA hearing into his alleged spot-fixing didn’t help, and despite being cleared, it took a huge toll on his mental health.

Either way, West Ham fans have got to the stage where they likely wouldn’t mind Paqueta moving on, and if they can bring in close to £35m for it, there would be few complaints.

Stay up to date this winter with our West Ham transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at the London Stadium, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.