West Ham ‘do due diligence’ on Newcastle United & Liverpool target amid Lucas Paqueta concern

West Ham United are reportedly considering a move for a Newcastle United transfer target as doubt remains over Lucas Paqueta’s future at the London Stadium.

The Brazil international was heavily linked with a move to Tyneside prior to joining the Hammers as the Magpies consider reuniting Paqueta with former Lyon team-mate Bruno Guimaraes in the heart of Eddie Howe’s midfield.

However, it was West Ham that handed the 25-year-old his first chance to shine in the Premier League and he made an immediate impression, scoring five goals and providing seven assists in 41 appearances in all competitions as David Moyes’ side become Europa Conference League winners.

His form with West Ham has led to interest from elsewhere and Manchester City have reportedly been unsuccessful with a number of bids to lure Paqueta to the Etihad Stadium after Moyes revealed his stance on the midfielder’s future.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth, he said: “There’s a price on everybody’s head. We have had news on Lucas, but not anything to make our heads wobble. Lucas Paqueta is an incredibly talented player. I’ve also got to keep good harmony in the football club and ensure things are done correctly.”

West Ham are believed to have taken a step further as they plan for the possibility of losing Paqueta to the treble winners before the summer transfer window comes to a close next month and are said to be ‘doing due diligence’ on a number of potential targets.

Sky Sports have reported one player under consideration for a move to the London Stadium is Ajax winger Mohammed Kudus, who was linked with a move to Newcastle earlier this summer as the Magpies looked to add more creativity to their ranks.

The Ghana international has become one of the most consistent players in the Eredivise after scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists in 85 appearances in all competitions for the Amsterdam giants and has reportedly attracted attention from Liverpool, Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion in recent months.

Kudus is believed to have rejected an offer of a one-year extension to his current contract with Ajax and told the Eredivise club he wanted to pursue a move elsewhere during the summer transfer window.