West Ham defender Fabian Balbuena is a target for Brazilian side Flamengo, according to a recent report from journalist Jorge Nicola.
The Paraguayan has enjoyed something of a renaissance this season as part of a three-man Hammers central defence – although his current contract expires at the end of the season.
With that contract situation in mind, Balbuena was earmarked as a possible signing for the Rio de Janeiro club. However, the 29-year-old’s agent Augusto Paraja has seemingly ruled out a South American return for the meantime.
In an interview with ESPN Brazil, he stated: “He is one of the captains of the team, he’s starting and wants to continue. I received many calls from journalists asking about Flamengo, but there’s no possibility of him returning to South America.”
The defender arrived in east London from Brazilian Premier League side Corinthians back in 2018 and has since made 53 appearances for the Irons.
With regular appearances in West Ham’s league games so far this term, Balbuena’s influence shows no sign of relenting; and the player’s representative believes his time at London Stadium won’t be coming to a premature end, insisting: “He wants to continue in England, there’s no concern because of that.”
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Prior to this season, the jury may well have remained out over Balbeuna’s merits of a new deal, but surely not anymore.
The defender has played a pivotal part in David Moyes’ side strong start to the season and, in doing so, has prevented October loan signing Craig Dawson from getting a look-in.
