Manchester City have held talks with West Ham over a big-money swoop for £70million-rated Lucas Paqueta.
The Brazilian international playmaker has worked his way towards the top of Pep Guardiola’s summer wish-list as City seek to strengthen their ranks after losing Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez.
After selling Declan Rice to Arsenal for a £105m club-record fee, the Hammers now have another fight on their hands to keep hold of their 25-year-old samba starlet.
Paqueta joined the Irons for £51m in the summer of 2022 from Lyon and despite a slow start to life in east London, he was integral to West Ham’s remarkable Conference League triumph.
City are prepared to table a huge cash in an attempt to entice West Ham into a sale and the London Stadium hierarchy are believed to be fearful that the Premier League champions may present an offer that is simply too good to refuse.
David Moyes’ side remain in a strong position, however, as Paqueta is under contract until 2027 with the option of a further year – meaning West Ham are under no pressure to sell.