West Ham crisis could get even worse as Tottenham and Aston Villa eye swoop for key man

West Ham's start to the season could get worse yet amid reports that Tottenham and Aston Villa are both weighing up a move for key midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

The Hammers have had a disastrous start to the 2025-26 Premier League campaign after losing 3-0 to newly-promoted Sunderland on the opening day before a 5-1 hammering at home to Chelsea on Friday night.

There is increasing pressure on manager Graham Potteralready just two games into the season with fans getting restless and concerned with two trips to Nottingham Forest and Tottenham coming up.

And there could be more trouble for the Hammers amid huge interest in Paqueta, who has just been cleared of wrongdoing amid an investigation into betting allegations.

After a difficult period that saw him facing a lifetime ban from football, the Brazilian international is now keen to play for a Champions League side, according to the Daily Mail.

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Tottenham are eager to sign Paqueta, the report says, as they seek a No 10 after missing out on Eberechi Eze, who snubbed them to join rivals Arsenal.

Aston Villa are also keen on the 27-year-old playmaker - but the Midlands outfit have financial restrictions and are currently exploring a loan for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.

Spurs have already raided West Ham once this season after signing Mohammed Kudus for £55m and Hammers fans would be distraught to lose another key man to their London rivals.

Paqueta has played a total of 122 times for the Hammers since his club-record £51m from Lyon and has scored 19 times.

However, there is a chance Tottenham may be pre-occupied with another transfer as they bid to make another bid for Manchester City's Savinho.

Thomas Frank has identified the Brazilian winger as a top target and Spurs made an initial enquiry this month that was rebuffed.

Now the report says the London side are prepared to offer more than £60m to wrap up the signing, with the player keen on the move if City give the green light.

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