Transfer Notebook: Lucas Paqueta approaches blocked, Celtic's next manager plans ruined by Brendan Rodgers, Coventry ace eyed by England

West Ham do not want to sell Lucas Paqueta in January, talkSPORT understands.

Paqueta took to social media to downplay claims he was looking to leave the relegation candidates in the upcoming transfer window.

The 28-year-old was subject of strong interest from Aston Villa in August and Villans manager Unai Emery remains an admirer.

However, while there is an acceptance among the West Ham hierarchy that the Brazilian is likely to depart next summer, they realise cashing in sooner would severely weaken their survival hopes.

Sources close to owner David Sullivan also insist Paqueta has not articulated a desire to seek a transfer.

Rodgers' shock exit ruins Celtic Bellamy plan

Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers succession plans have been left in turmoil following his shock resignation.

As talkSPORT previously reported the Glasgow giants were planning for Rodgers to leave at the end of the season when his contract was due to expire.

That would have given them several months to line up a suitable replacement.

Rodgers’s decision to quit earlier this week, sparking a furious statement from club owner Dermot Desmond, has made that task harder with many of Celtic’s top targets in work and reluctant to move mid-season.

These include former striker Craig Bellamy, who is deep into a World Cup qualifying campaign with Wales, and Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, who would also be an expensive hire due to wage demands and compensation.

talkSPORT has been told a return to Parkhead for former boss Ange Postecoglou also unlikely at this stage.

Other potential options include ex-Celtic loanee Robbie Keane, currently in charge of Hungarian champions Ferencvaros.

England consider Championship star for call-up

Coventry City goalkeeper Carl Rushworth is on England’s radar after his record-breaking start to the season.

Rushworth recently clocked 613 minutes without conceding, the longest such run in the history of the Sky Blues.

talkSPORT understands England scouts are paying close attention to the Brighton loanee’s form.

Rushworth almost joined Rangers in the summer but Brighton blocked the deal with sources close to the player suggesting that was down to owner Tony Bloom’s interest in Hearts.

With the Gers struggling and Coventry flying high at the top of the Championship and making history under Frank Lampard, that turn of events has worked in his favour.

Chelsea's English youngster could switch nations

Chelsea’s England Under-21 defender Josh Acheampong is being targeted by Ghana.

Acheampong, who is enjoying a breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge, is eligible to play for the African side through his parents.

The centre-back can also turn out for the Republic of Ireland but so far has played all his youth football for England.

Ghana are aware Acheampong may take time to decide, but are hoping their qualification for next summer’s World Cup may persuade him.

Acheampong is enjoying a breakthrough campaign in the Blues first-team this season, racking up five Premier League and two Champions League appearances so far.

He also netted the first goal of his senior career in the 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.

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