Newcastle and Manchester City battle for West Ham star Lucas Paqueta - Fabrizio Romano

Newcastle United and Manchester City both held an interest in West Ham star Lucas Paqueta during the summer transfer window, but prioritised a move for other options, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The highly trusted journalist shared via Caught Offside that Newcastle had joined Manchester City in the race for the Brazilian, but both sides opted to go with other options - Sandro Tonali to Newcastle and Matheus Nunes to City.

Romano also shared that clubs are now awaiting the outcome of the Premier League investigation into alleged breaches of betting rules before deciding on whether to pursue his signature either in January or next summer.

West Ham should brace for further approaches

Although Romano also claimed that Manchester City have pulled out of the race and are not planning to make the move happen in January, there is the possibility that more interested parties emerge after Paqueta's impressive displays so far this season.

As a result, West Ham should be braced to receive offers for their star man and will have a price tag in mind that any interested clubs will need to meet if they wish to tempt the player away from the London Stadium - a price which could be higher in January.

The Hammers have targeted further success after their Europa Conference League victory last season and will see Paqueta as a key element to any success they could achieve this season, therefore they will be reluctant to let him leave.

Reports emerged via Brazilian outlet Fichajes [16 September] that Newcastle may be lining up a £52million bid in the January transfer window, but the fee falls some way short of the price tag the Hammers set in the summer transfer window.

In other West Ham news, one journalist has suggested another West Ham star as a good option for an EL club.