West Ham United given Lucas Paqueta hope as Fabrizio Romano shares Man City latest
West Ham have been given fresh hope of retaining Lucas Paqueta in the summer if an update from Fabrizio Romano is anything to go by.
Manchester City are widely considered to still hold an interest in the Brazil international, who has made 40 appearances in all competitions this season, after having offers knocked back last year.
Indeed, only an FA enquiry into Paqueta over alleged betting breaches put City off making another bid, which the Hammers may well have accepted.
Fabrizio Romano shares latest on Lucas Paqueta
In the view of many, the talented attacking midfielder joining the reigning European champions was an inevitable development.
However, according to Romano, City may well have other targets on their radar in what can only be a positive development for the Irons.
“My understanding at the moment is that midfield will be an important area to improve in the summer for Manchester City, this is the plan,” he said on his Daily Briefing page [2 May].
“They still like Lucas Paqueta of West Ham, but he’s not the only name on the list. And then also Brazilian youngster Savio will do the pre-season with Manchester City, so it will be an important opportunity for him after his spell at fellow City Group club Girona.”
Lucas Paqueta release clause at West Ham United
City’s interest may well be there, but if West Ham stand firm then the Citizens do not look likely to waste any further time in landing a midfielder.
Paqueta is said to have an £85million release clause, and if City trigger that then there is nothing that United can do.
However, that is a huge amount to pay for a club that is having to monitor its spending amid the upcoming financial breaches court case.
West Ham fans will hope that City do indeed have other targets lined up and that Paqueta remains at London Stadium beyond this summer.
The Brazilian may have gone off the boil of late, but he remains a hugely talented player and a key part of United’s plans going forward.
In other West Ham news, Keir Starmer has taken credit for a high-profile departure last summer.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.