West Ham United may have already found their replacement if Lucas Paqueta departs in the January transfer window.

Paqueta wants to leave West Ham and move back to Brazil, with his former side Flamengo working to get a deal over the line this month.

The 28-year-old hasn’t featured for the Hammers since their 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on 6 January.

While the official line is that he is suffering from a back injury, some reports are suggesting that he is refusing to play as he tries to engineer an exit.

West Ham tracking Ilan Kebbal

West Ham have already made two moves in the January window, bringing both Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe to the London Stadium to help their Premier League survival bid.

However, Nuno Espirito Santo may be forced back into the market if Paqueta leaves, to replace the Brazilian’s creativity.

According to Alan Nixon on his Patreon, West Ham are making a move for Paris FC attacking midfielder Ilan Kebbal.

Nixon dubbed the 27-year-old “sensational”, who has six goals and four assists in Ligue 1 this season, and would cost the Hammers around £12m.

He was recently part of the Algeria squad that reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), before setting up the winning goal against PSG in his first game back from the tournament.

Kebbal could be a replacement for Paqueta if he does depart this month, and is reportedly keen on the move to East London.

West Ham’s Premier League status hinges on Paqueta replacement

If West Ham are to have any chance of avoiding Premier League relegation this season, then they must find the perfect replacement for Paqueta, should he leave.

The 28-year-old has been one of the Hammers’ main sources of creativity over recent years, so would leave a big void to fill if he departs.

West Ham beat Tottenham 2-1 on Saturday afternoon, meaning they are now just five points adrift of safety.

It is a gap that they are more than capable of closing, but the recruitment still needs to be perfect for them to have a real chance.

Whether it is Kebbal or someone else, the East London side desperately needs to get a deal over the line before the transfer window slams shut.

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.