Lucas Paqueta will likely play for West Ham for almost the entirety of next season despite his spot-fixing charges, a report has claimed.
The Brazilian playmaker, who stands accused of deliberately picking up yellow cards in four Premier League matches against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth, could face a 10-year ban from football if he is found guilty by the Football Association.
Paqueta, 26, will be eligible to play for West Ham until the disciplinary process is completed and has denied any wrongdoing in relation to the spot-fixing charges.
According to The Times, sources with knowledge of the process have revealed that Paqueta's complex case could drag on until almost the end of next season and perhaps even beyond.
West Ham, who are gearing up for their first campaign under new manager Julen Lopetegui, were reportedly approached by Brazilian outfit Flamengo over a potential loan move for Paqueta — but are now confident the midfielder will be available for the majority of next term.
Having been granted an extension to respond to the FA's charges, Paqueta's defence lawyers believe it will take several months to secure all relevant information pertaining to the complex case, such as gathering important documents and witness statements. The case also spans three countries: England, Brazil and Spain.
The Brazilian's representatives were initially given until June 3 to respond to the FA, a fortnight after Paqueta was charged.
Mail Sport exclusively broke the story of Paqueta's betting probe back in August 2023, which led to the collapse of his prospective £85million move to Premier League champions Manchester City.
The FA's sanctioning guidelines state that players found guilty of spot-fixing could face a ban of between six months and life.
Paqueta, denying any wrongdoing, said in a statement on social media in May: 'I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me.
'For nine months, I have co-operated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can.
'I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name.'