West Ham United ready to make Steven Bergwijn move if Lucas Paqueta leaves

West Ham fans will not be excited by the signing of Steven Bergwijn as a potential replacement for Lucas Paqueta, according to Frank McAvennie.

The Hammers are readying a £16.7million bid for the former Tottenham Hotspur winger,[Caught Offside, 15 July], though that may not be enough with Ajax wanting upwards of £29million.

Paqueta, on the other hand, faces an uncertain future amid a Football Association investigation into four separate counts of spot-fix, charges he has vehemently and regularly denied.

Hammers legend McAvennie thinks the links are merely a contingency plan should the club opt to sell Paqueta.

Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: "On his day... Can the best be gotten out of him again? If Paqueta, Kudus and Bowen are all playing, he's not going to get a game.

"Is this a signing in case Paqueta goes? Just in case something happens with his case? I don't think fans will be very excited if a £17million player takes over from Paqueta. It's a hard position to fill. I know he can be lazy at points but you just have to look at his ability."

Could West Ham United replace Lucas Paqueta with Steven Bergwijn?

The Hammers have given no indication they will sell Paqueta but reports suggest there is interest with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr holding fresh talks over a deal this summer [Rudy Galetti].

His former team Flamengo are also interested in signing him, according to O Dia, with the Brazilian club expected to submit a new bid once the player returns from holiday.

With these transfer links in mind, it makes total sense for Julen Lopetegui and the Hammers to be searching for a replacement, and Bergwijn could be chosen as that man.

In other West Ham news, the Hammers have been handed an £8.4m transfer boost as Noussair Mazraoui emerges from Germany.

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