Nuno Espirito Santo has insisted that Lucas Paqueta is focused on Sunday's game against Newcastle United - but admits rumours of his exit from the London Stadium aren't helping him.

The Brazil international, a close pal of Bruno Guimaraes from their days at Lyon together, has been offered to West Ham's top-flight rivals with a fee of £60m mooted. Toon head coach Eddie Howe has played down links with Paqueta in the past but as the Hammers face the drop, the midfielder is likely to be pushed in Newcastle's direction again.

Paqueta has been reprimanded by the FA for his failure to comply with a Football Association investigation into allegations of spot-fixing this week - although he is clear of any threat of a lifetime ban.

His boss Nuno said today: "The noise doesn't help. Finally, it ends, but at the same time, there are rumours around. We have to protect ourselves and work in the best way. He's going to play on Sunday and help his team-mates.

"I've spoken to him about many things. We need Lucas. I...