West Ham are reportedly considering Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic as a potential replacement should Lucas Paqueta depart this month. The Sun links the Croatian to the London club, suggesting a contingency plan is being drawn up amid ongoing transfer speculation around the Brazilian playmaker.

Paqueta has been a key figure for West Ham since his 2022 move, but persistent links to other clubs have forced the hierarchy to explore alternatives. Kovacic, a seasoned Premier League winner with City, offers proven top-flight experience and could provide a seamless transition for David Moyes' midfield.

This move underscores the fluid nature of January trading, where clubs must react swiftly to player availability. While Kovacic remains under contract at the Etihad, his opportunities have been limited, making a switch to a club like West Ham for regular minutes a plausible scenario.