CAN PAQ A PUNCH

Fernandes is new Hammers golden boy

- BY STEVE JUDGE

MATEUS FERNANDES swerved promising West Ham fans he can follow in Lucas Paqueta's footsteps - but vowed to take the Brazilian's advice and keep trying to score bangers.

Paqueta (right) has been the Hammers’ go-to man for the spectacular in recent years.

He has already smashed in a couple of stunners this term but looks set to leave this week.

It is understood Flamengo had a £35.75m bid accepted by the Hammers yesterday, with the 28-year-old having already agreed a four-year deal.

West Ham fans made it very clear on Saturday who they see as the heir apparent for conjuring up Insta-moment goals.

Cries of ‘shoot’ echoed around an engaged London Stadium whenever Fernandes was in space outside the box.

And the Portuguese midfielder did not let the crowd down, despite revealing he had never scored from distance before.

He smashed in West Ham's third from 27 yards just before halftime.