Dharmesh Sheth details Lucas Paqueta behaviour at West Ham United amid fresh Man City speculation
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has provided fresh details on West Ham United’s sale of Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City, claiming the Hammers are expecting a new offer.
Speaking on Sky Sports Transfer Show (16 August), Sheth claimed that verbal talks between clubs revealed a massive bridge in Paqueta’s valuation, which West Ham place at £85million.
The Hammers’ valuation matches Paqueta’s release clause which becomes active next summer, but the Brazilian could be tempted by the allure of the Pep Guardiola’s Champions League holders.
Sheth said: “As it stands, West Ham are expecting an improved offer for Manchester City for Lucas Paqueta. We think the verbal talks that happened between the two clubs showed a massive gap in valuation between the talks.
“We think that for West Ham to even begin to consider, it would need to be in the region or in excess of £85m. That’s his release clause price for next summer, that’s why they’re asking for that price.
“West Ham hold all the cards, and as Paqueta is being professional as he played against Bournemouth, they’re quite comfortable.
“The issue is if Paqueta starts to agitate, but he’s understanding of what West Ham’s position is and he knows that the club want their market value for him. But money and the lure of playing for the treble winners talks.”
Imminent
If Manchester City want their man, they will certainly splash out on Paqueta.
With Kevin De Bruyne’s recent four-month injury leaving a huge hole in City’s midfield, Guardiola will be desperate to plug that hole.
While Paqueta is more than a short-term replacement for the Belgian, City may feel a new sense of urgency and could match West Ham’s asking price.
However, Hammers fans will be very disappointed to lose both Declan Rice and Paqueta in the same window. While the combined fee for both players could exceed £190million, fans will want a lot of his reinvested into the squad.
The acquisitions of James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez do look promising, but replacing the club captain and a Brazilian international is no easy task, and David Sullivan has a job on his hands before the end of the window.
But no one could begrudge Paqueta from joining arguably the best side in Europe, and a neat £30million profit could go a long way in the market.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have made a near-£30million bid for a new striker.