West Ham United have accepted the outline of a transfer fee for Lucas Paquetá, but key details still prevent a quick agreement, according to new reports from Brazil.

Club insider outlet Gazeta do Urubu reports that West Ham and Flamengo have aligned on the overall price. Both clubs now work with a valuation of £34.1m (€40m). This came after West Ham reduced earlier demands that had reached £51.2m (€60m). Brazilian sources say the player’s pressure played a role in that drop, and that’s why Flamengo’s directors are still optmistic.

Even so, the deal is not done. The main problem now is the payment structure. Flamengo offered £29.9m (€35m) in instalments, plus £4.3m (€5m) in performance-related bonuses. West Ham rejected that model. They want the full £34.1m (€40m) guaranteed, without variables, and prefer either a lump sum or very limited instalments.

Timing also remains an issue. Flamengo want Paquetá released immediately. West Ham would rather delay his exit until later in the season. That difference keeps talks in a holding pattern, despite progress on the headline figure.

Away from the negotiating table, a small subplot added to the noise. Flamengo vice-president Marcos Motta posted...