MANCHESTER CITY’S move for Lucas Paqueta is on the verge of collapse, according to multiple reports.
Sky Sports claim that a deal is now off between the clubs, with Manchester City yet to table an official bid.
ReutersA deal between City and West Ham for the transfer of Paqueta is now off – according to reports[/caption]
City are reportedly prepared to offer £60million for the player but it is understood West Ham are reluctant to sell even if the club’s valuation of the player is met – with the club not losing to lose too many star players in one window.
The Hammers brought Paqueta in for £51m from Lyon last summer so would likely demand a fee considerably higher than £60m.
An £85m release clause will kick in to Paqueta’s contract next year which could lead to West Ham accepting a bid nearer to that this window.
Sky Sports report that Paqueta would be open to moving to City if a bid was accepted.
But, according to the report a deal is a “90 per cent chance the deal is off” according to their sources.
One fan on Twitter reacted to the news that a deal was off by saying “Man City are in shambles”.
One thing that could work in Paqueta’s favour is the fact that West Ham are getting closer to a deal for Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus.
West Ham’s sporting director Tim Steidten is in Amsterdam to try and broker a deal for the Ghanaian international who can play in Paqueta’s attacking midfield position.
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The Hammers have already reinforced their midfield after selling Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105m by bringing in James Ward-Prowse in a £30m deal.
Pep Guardiola is keen on a deal for Paqueta as he looks to replace the guile, creativity and goals lost after Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez left the club.
Their interest in the Brazilian has only been heightened after it came out that Kevin De Bruyne could miss the rest of the year after suffering a reoccurence of the hamstring injury he experienced in last season’s Champions League final.
One option City have looked at to replace Riyad Mahrez is Rennes winger Jeremy Doku – who West Ham also have an interest in.
West Ham are also keen on a deal for striker Elye Wahi, who is valued at £30m by Montpellier.
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