Lucas Paqueta’s ‘likely’ destination revealed as Man City swoop
Man City have been joined by a number of Saudi Pro League and Brazilian clubs in their pursuit of West Ham star Lucas Paqueta.
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 “likely” destination should he leave the London Stadium.
Clubs in the Middle East are currently believed to be ahead of City in the race to sign the attacking midfielder and are now lining up offers.
This comes after former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that City are unlikely to sign Paqueta having already brought in alternative options.
The arrivals of Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki mean City are well-stocked and have no plans to make further additions there despite the Brazilian’s availability.
Football Insider revealed on 8 August that West Ham are prepared to sell Paqueta and have placed a £45million price tag on him in the window’s final month.
West Ham open to Lucas Paqueta offers after Man City latest
Brown told Football Insider on 3 July that West Ham are prepared to let Paqueta leave this summer amid interest from a number of Saudi Pro League clubs.
Interest in the Brazil international is expected to step up after he was cleared of spot-fixing allegations following an FA hearing earlier this year.
O’Rourke explained that there is no shortage of interest in Paqueta as things stand, but a move to Man City is less likely that Saudi Arabia or Brazil.
“I don’t think it’s a pressing need for Man City right now,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s more likely that a move to the Saudi Pro League could be on the agenda for Lucas Paqueta if he was to leave West Ham.
“I believe there are a number of Saudi Pro League clubs looking at the Brazilian, and there has been interest from his native Brazil as well.
“I don’t think West Ham would stand in his way if they got a suitable offer this summer.
“If they were to get around £45-50million, it would allow Graham Potter to use that money to reinvest in his squad.
“Maybe that ship has sailed on his move to Manchester City, but more likely will be a potential move to the Saudi Pro League or back to Brazil.”
Pep Guardiola makes Ilkay Gundogan transfer decision
While they are considered unlikely to sign Paqueta this summer, City are also preparing to keep hold of one of their senior midfield talents.
Football Insider revealed on 9 August that Man City plan to keep Ilkay Gundogan at the club despite speculation surrounding a possible move to Galatasaray.
Pep Guardiola is reluctant to let the midfielder go before the window closes, with his experience providing a valuable asset to a young, new-look City squad.
That is despite Brown telling Football Insider on 19 June that Galatasaray are plotting a move to sign Gundogan as part of their big-spending transfer window.
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