West Ham powerless to resist Man City approach as Lucas Paqueta agrees terms
West Ham will be powerless to resist an approach from Manchester City for star player Lucas Paqueta this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Brazilian international has an £85million release clause in his contract and can leave the London Stadium if the Citizens match that figure.
Football Insider revealed on 21 May that Paqueta is high on the list of potential replacements for Man City midfielder Bernardo Silva and that personal terms have already been agreed.
Silva is believed to be ready for a new challenge after Football Insider revealed the Portuguese is keen to secure a move abroad, with PSG eyeing another move for the 29-year-old this summer.
Paqueta came close to joining the Premier League champions last year before an FA betting probe halted negotiations.
The Citizens are expected to try and sign the 26-year-old again once the transfer window reopens if he is cleared of any wrongdoing.
Man City have agreed terms with Lucas Paqueta
Man City agreed personal terms with Paqueta last summer before the investigation put talks between the two clubs on hold.
The Brazilian is under contract with West Ham until 2027 after signing a five-year deal when he joined in a club-record £51million deal from Lyon in 2022.
The attacking midfielder has registered eight goals and seven assists this season as the Hammers finished the campaign in ninth place.
Paqueta is believed to be keen on playing Champions League football after David Moyes failed to secure another European campaign for the Irons before he left the club.
The Scotsman is expected to be replaced by Julen Lopetegui after Football Insider revealed earlier this month the club have offered him an “enormous” deal to become their new manager.
In other news, Irons braced for midfielder bid as exit fear emerges.
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