Exclusive: Man City told £45m Lucas Paqueta offer will be accepted
Man City have been told West Ham will be prepared to accept an offer of £45million for Lucas Paqueta in the final month of the transfer window.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O'Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the 27-year-old's future after the FA cleared him of spot-fixing allegations.
Pep Guardiola is known to be a big fan of the Brazil international after missing out on an £85million deal in 2023, and City could now reignite their interest.
Football Insider revealed on 1 August that Man City remain interested in Paqueta and could make a fresh move for him before the transfer window closes.
Graham Potter, meanwhile, would be open to letting the midfielder leave in favour of using the funds to strengthen his squad in key positions.
Meanwhile, former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 29 July that the Hammers could accept as little as £30million to shift Paqueta this month.
Man City make Lucas Paqueta decision after West Ham reveal
However, Brown told Football Insider on 6 August that Man City are unlikely to return for Paqueta despite Guardiola's admiration given their well-stocked midfield.
The signings of Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders have cast doubt over the need for a new creative midfield player despite the Brazilian's availability.
O'Rourke explained that City have held a long-term interest in the West Ham star, who would be available for a discounted fee, but a move is unlikely at this stage.
"Obviously, City have held a long-term interest in Lucas Paqueta," he told Football Insider.
"A couple of years ago, a move was very close for Paqueta to go to Man City.
"From what I was told, it was basically done, and then that FA investigation into the alleged betting breaches came to light and that saw the move collapse.
"That was for £85million - you're not going to get that figure for Paqueta now.
"He's 27 and has got two years left on his contract, so West Ham will probably sell at around the £45-50million mark for Paqueta.
"I have doubts about whether Man City need him right now, they've signed Rayan Cherki this summer and Reijnders has come in to bolster the midfield as well.
"I don't think it's a pressing need for Man City right now.
"For West Ham, they stood by the player during the FA investigation and I think it was good news for everybody that he was cleared of that.
"I don't think they would stand in his way if they got a super offer for him this summer.
"Around £45-50million would allow Graham Potter to use that money and reinvest in his squad."
Leeds United spark interest in Kalvin Phillips return
Despite their long-standing interest in Paqueta, there is a growing desire for City to sell player and trim the squad before the transfer window closes.
Football Insider revealed on 3 August that Man City are planning to sell Kalvin Phillips in the coming weeks and are ready to take a "huge hit" on his transfer fee.
Leeds United are believed to be interested in a potential return for the midfielder, who would be welcomed back with open arms at Elland Road.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that Phillips wants to return to Leeds to get his career back on track after his disastrous move to Man City.
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