West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has urged the club to “solve the situation” regarding Lucas Paqueta’s future.

Reports emerged during the week that the midfielder wants to return to his native Brazil in the January transfer window, having previously represented Flamengo.

Paqueta has scored four goals for the Hammers in the Premier League this season, with only Jarrod Bowen (six) netting more for them, while also providing one assist.

Speaking ahead of their London derby with Tottenham on Saturday, Nuno was eager to find a solution regarding the 28-year-old’s future.

“I think it is a situation that we have to solve,” said Nuno.

“We always want our best players to be involved and Lucas is one of our best players, so let's try and solve the situation."

The Hammers have already brought in strikers Valetin Castellanos and Pablo in the January transfer window, while Callum Wilson and James Ward-Prowse have been linked with moves away from the club.

Nuno confirmed that the Hammers are still active in this month’s window as they look to “rebalance” their squad and extend their stay in the Premier League.

“We are working on ins and outs,” Nuno added.

“I feel that we need to rebalance our squad and bring in more options for some positions and also find the best solutions for the players that are not having minutes, to go and proceed with their careers.

“We are working very hard as a club to find the right ones, in what is a very tricky transfer window to operate. We have to make good decisions and we cannot afford mistakes.”

West Ham are 18th in the league ahead of their visit to Tottenham, seven points adrift of safety.

However, Nuno has won three of his five Premier League away games against Spurs (L2), including a 2-1 win at his old club with Nottingham Forest in April last season.