Manchester City make Lucas Paqueta transfer decision in West Ham United update
Manchester City have informed West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta that they will turn to alternative transfer targets if his legal issues are not resolved soon, according to TBR Football.
The report on 9 May reveals that City are unwilling to pursue a deal unless the Football Association makes a decision on the betting probe the attacking midfielder has been facing, accusations Paqueta has regularly denied.
Pep Guardiola’s side expressed interest in acquiring the 26-year-old last summer but pulled out as a result of the FA case coming to light.
West Ham United could keep Lucas Paqueta
If Paqueta misses a second chance to join City, West Ham will certainly not be complaining.
The Brazilian is among the Hammers’ most important and most dangerous players and dovetails superbly with fellow attacking teammates Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.
Incoming head coach Julen Lopetegui will be keen to use the trio together regularly if possible next season.
He has recorded seven assists across all competitions this term – only set-piece specialist James Ward-Prowse and talismanic forward Bowen can better that tally among Hammers players – and is fourth in the squad for goals, racking up eight strikes [Transfermarkt].
As the Hammers look to progress to a more possession-dominant style next term, the technical and creative talents of Paqueta would prove invaluable.
West Ham will simply hope the FA drag their heels over the resolution of Paqueta’s case – long enough at least to ensure suitors City lose interest and look elsewhere.
In other West Ham news, Jamie Carragher has predicted the result of Moyes’ final home game against Luton.
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