Brazil’s Lucas Paqueta is a surefire World Cup starter. West Ham fans should be excited.

It is well known that the first Brazilian in the top flight of English football was Mirandinha, the striker who joined Newcastle United in 1987. Less well known is that a much more high-profile Brazilian nearly came seven years earlier.

Winger or attacking midfielder Paulo Cesar — often referred to as Paulo Cesar Caju — almost joined Fulham in 1980. Paulo Cesar was part of the World Cup winning squad of 1970, and a key member of the team four years later. He would have been a fascinating asset to the English game but — a choice he looks back on with regret — he ended up refusing the offer because of the amount of tax he would have to pay.

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However, he did spend some time in London. He went to some games, and was pleasantly surprised by what he saw. He loved watching Liam Brady at Arsenal — the wonderful left foot reminded him of Gerson, Brazil’s midfield maestro from 1970 World Cup. And at West Ham United he was enchanted by the midfield class of Trevor Brooking.

More than four decades down the line, the Hammers have announced that, for a record fee, they have acquired an attacking midfielder with qualities that are sure to be appreciated by those who grew up on Trevor Brooking — and he comes, via Lyon, from the home country of Paulo Cesar Caju.

Lucas Paqueta might be relatively unknown to many Premier League fans. But there is an easy way to make them sit up and take notice. Lots of column inches have been given over to Brazilian talents moving to the Premier League or swapping clubs within it. There are players such as Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal from Manchester City) and Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur from Everton). Neither are guaranteed a place in Brazil’s starting line-up. Manchester United have made big money offers to Ajax Amsterdam for Antony’s transfer, who is a substitute for the national…