Chelsea defender Thiago Silva says he explored the possibility of Lucas Paqueta joining him at Stamford Bridge before the fellow Brazilian became West Ham’s record signing.
Paqueta was of interest to a number of European clubs before the Hammers agreed a deal which could reach more than £50million.
Silva is a big fan of Paqueta and has backed him to impress in England, but hopefully not against the Blues on Saturday.
"I heard he was about to leave Lyon [so] had some conversations here with some people, but unfortunately things didn’t work out," Silva told ESPN Brazil.
Silva says signing a new midfielder was less of a priority for manager Thomas Tuchel, adding: “We weren’t 100% sure he would leave Lyon.
“The last week arrived, this thing got a lot [clearer] and we had some other priorities because of the injuries we have in the team. So we needed a striker, another defender. A midfielder, was a little less. I think that’s why things didn’t evolve well.
“But I’m happy for Paqueta because West Ham certainly have a very good structure, it’s a great club in the Premier League scene.”
He added: “I just hope he can be sad on Saturday. After that he can stay happy and get to the World Cup the way he knows, the way he’s been doing, which is playing good football.”
