Manchester City have indicated to Lucas Paqueta’s representatives that they will have to look at other targets this summer if his ongoing legal issues are not resolved, TBR Football understands.
Paqueta continues to wait on the Football Association to rule on his betting case which has been ongoing since last summer – at which point City were in talks with West Ham over a deal for the Brazilian, but they had to pull out.
Paqueta, who denies any knowledge of bets being placed on his performances, is desperate to link-up with Pep Guardiola – who wants the West Ham man and has identified him as one of his top targets with the futures of Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne far from certain.
West Ham open to selling Lucas Paqueta
West Ham are open to selling Paqueta given the two sides agreed terms last summer, it is not believed a deal this summer would be hard to finalise – indeed there is little belief that a release clause in the player’s contract would even have to be exercised.
However, City have informed Paqueta’s people that they will not pursue a deal unless the FA case is put to bed.
As it stands the FA have refused to confirm if a verdict on the case would be delivered in time for Paqueta to move this summer. TBR understands that Paqueta’s camp are considering legal action against the FA, threatening a case of potential ‘loss of earnings’ if they are again denied the chance of joining City.
Manchester City alternative targets
If City do indeed have to look elsewhere, they should consider Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, who is of a similar profile to Paqeuta.
The palace maverick, who has scored eight goals whilst laying on five assists this term, operates in a central role and takes up similar positions to the Brazil international.
The Eagles want in excess of £60m for the 25-year-old who is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2027.
City are thought to be interested in Eze, as per The Independent.