West Ham United compile shortlist for Lucas Paqueta replacement amid Manchester City interest
West Ham United have started compiling a shortlist of replacements in case Lucas Paqueta joins Manchester City this summer, according to talkSPORT.
The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Pep Guardiola’s side, with the £85m release clause in his contract becoming active at the end of the season.
And with the Hammers powerless to stop him leaving if they match that price, the club are now preparing for his exit by looking at potential replacements including Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.
West Ham United must plan accordingly
Everyone knew last summer that West Ham were going to lose Declan Rice, and while the negotiations went on a little longer than anticipated the club clearly had a plan to replace him.
Deals took longer than they wanted but James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez replaced him in the centre of midfield in the same window and have been excellent signings, while Kalvin Phillips was also added to the squad on loan in January.
There’s no shock that Paqueta is attracting interest from some of the top clubs in Europe because his performances have been nothing short of spectacular.
But that means the club have to plan for his exit, especially since they could be powerless to it, and they are doing the right thing by eyeing up replacements already.
The manager situation first needs to be settled with David Moyes’ future up in the air before they can decide on who is going to come in, but fans should prepare for Paqueta to be heading out of the door.
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