Callum O'Connell

Sat 30 December 2023 8:40, UK

Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has sent a two-word message to Lucas Paqueta after the injury blow he suffered in the 2-0 victory for West Ham against Arsenal on 28 December.

The Hammers star limped off after 32 minutes at the Emirates after sustaining a calf injury but has reassured fans he will not be missing for long as it is only a minor injury blow.

Paqueta has been heavily linked with a potential £52.1million move to Newcastle in the January transfer window [Fichajes, 16 September], and the comment from Bruno will surely set tongues wagging.

Keeping fans updated with his progress via an Instagram post, Paqueta wrote: “I just want to thank everyone for the messages, it was just a small injury on the calf and in 1 week I will be back!”

Bruno commented under the post with a message of support for his international teammate, writing: “Vamoooo”, meaning “Let’s go” with a red heart emoji.

The rumour mill will be set in motion

Despite the comment being a simple message of encouragement to his international teammate, the rumour mill will surely be set in motion by Bruno’s comment, with Paqueta reportedly on the list of January transfer targets at St James’ Park.

The West Ham star has attracted interest from England’s top clubs including Manchester City, who were ready to make a deal happen in the summer transfer window before it fell through due to an investigation into alleged breaches of betting rules.

Newcastle, though, reportedly remain keen on bringing Paqueta to the club in a big-money deal, with their need to strengthen the squad, particularly in midfield being made clear by the current injury crisis under Eddie Howe.

West Ham will be determined to hold on to their prized asset after he has picked up two goals and five assists already in the Premier League this season, and it would take a huge fee to temp the East London club into letting him leave in January.

In other West Ham news, Marseille are eyeing a January deal for one Hammers star.