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Sources: Man City now turn attention to signing Lucas Paqueta alternative
Man City are doing their homework and due diligence on alternative targets despite Pep Guardiola’s willingness to sign Lucas Paqueta before next month’s deadline, sources have told Football Insider.
The 25-year-old is Guardiola’s top target as he attempts to replace the impact of departed treble-winning heroes Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan.
Man City believe Paqueta is capable of coming straight into their star-studded squad and performing – something which new arrivals at the Etihad Stadium often struggle to do.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (11 August) that City are continuing to push hard to land the West Ham midfielder in the final weeks of the summer window.
It is believed the treble-winners have already seen a bid of £70million rejected for the Brazil international, but are expected to return with an improved offer in the coming days.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Guardiola’s side have been “encouraged” by Paqueta’s interest in completing a move to the Etihad Stadium.
But it is believed club chiefs are remaining grounded about the chances of wrapping up a deal and are continuing to explore other avenues in case a full agreement cannot be reached.
One potential formula could be through a part-exchange deal, with Football Insider revealing on Saturday (12 August) that Man City are considering including Cole Palmer in a new bid for Paqueta.
Paqueta only joined West Ham last summer (2022), costing the Londoners a club-record reported fee of £51million.
The former Lyon star, who is under contract until 2027 in east London, managed five goals and seven assists in 43 appearances across all competitions in his debut season in England.
Man City got off to a winning start to the Premier League against Burnley on Friday (11 August), winning 3-0 at Turf Moor.
Meanwhile, West Ham and Paqueta face Bournemouth on the south coast on Saturday (12 August).
In other news, Premier League boss doing everything to stop winger signing for Man City.