West Ham midfielder and Manchester City target Lucas Paqueta has provided an update on whether he will move teams this summer.
Speaking at the weekend, the Brazilian international said he would not make any public statements on his future in respect for his current team but there could be movement when the season is over:
“I have to do my work here at West Ham. I have an enormous respect for the club. I’m very happy here, and if I don’t say that, I’d be lying.
“Of course, there are a lot of things happening off the pitch but I am focused on doing my best and end the season on a high. I started well and intend on finishing [the season] well.2
“What has been said about Man City is all stuff from the previous transfer window. Now it’s about finishing the season and to wait and see what will happen.”
City will be waiting to hear the outcome of an FA investigation
As Paqueta mentions, he is having to deal with a big issue off the pitch at the moment, with the FA currently investigating accusations that the player has placed bets on games.
It is expected that the Cityzens won’t make any approach for the midfielder until the case is included. While no date has been set for the end of the investigation, there are likely to be more developments over the coming weeks.
Paqueta’s asking price has already been set
When City made their approach to West Ham last summer, their reported £70m offer for Paqueta was knocked back due to the fact that the Hammers were demanding the Premier League champions meet his release clause.
It is believed that City can sign Paqueta, without any further negotiations with his club, if they match the £85m buyout fee in his contract.