Lucas Paqueta will be going nowhere this summer, according to West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady.
The Hammers playmaker has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium following the conclusion of the FA probe into alleged betting breaches.
Paqueta always denied the charges and was cleared by a hearing, who found the four charges ‘not proven’.
It took a huge toll on the Brazil international, who carried on playing while the allegations were investigated.
At one point last season he broke down in tears on the pitch.
Now that has been resolved, his future has been the subject of plenty of speculation.
Man City are long-term admirers of the 27-year-old, while a return to his homeland has been mooted.
Joining Shaun Custis and Henry Winter on talkSPORT’s Sunday Edition, Brady said: “It’s been a really tough time for Lucas. It’s such a serious allegation and it was really hanging over him and the FA were going for a worldwide lifetime ban. So the seriousness of the situation was incredible.
“He was, from day one when the accusation was made, absolutely resolute in the fact that he had nothing to do with this.
“There was no evidence that he had anything to do with it. So it came as a real relief. But we always took the view that we completely believed in him.
“We stood right the way alongside him throughout the whole scenario. My advice to the manager and to him is just to carry on until we know any different. And that’s exactly what we did.”
When asked about his future, Brady added: “I think he wants to stay and we definitely want him to stay. So the thing is, he’ll be staying.”
Kudus sale
One player who did leave the Hammers this summer was Mohammed Kudus, who joined Tottenham for £55m.
He grabbed two assists on the opening day victory against Burnley, meanwhile West Ham were thrashed 3-0 by Sunderland.
Brady admitted that exits are inevitable, despite want to keep hold of players.
She added: “It’s always difficult to lose players that you want to keep. But the financial restraints and the PSR and all the rules and regulations in football mean that you have to do some trading.
“That’s just the way it is. All clubs are having to do it. You’re either restricted on what you can buy because you have to be careful of the financial rules or you have to sell to try and buy.
“So that was the decision that was made. He didn’t have a particularly good season for West Ham last year by his own standards. So we looked to move on.”
West Ham transfer incomings
As well as the Kudus exit, West Ham have signed El Hadji Malick Diouf, Mads Hermansen, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Callum Wilson.
However, there could be more incomings before the window shuts at the end of August.
Midfield could be a particular problem for the Hammers.
When asked if more pace was needed in midfield, Brady added: “I think that anyone would know that. The answer to that question is yes. And that’s what we’re working hard on doing.”