EXCLUSIVE: Man City to make another Paqueta bid as West Ham set price

Steve Kay

17 Aug 2023 11:30 BST
3 min read

Manchester City will likely bid for Lucas Paqueta again after West Ham knocked back their initial approaches.

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The Citizens are hoping to bring in the Brazilian, plus one more midfielder, ahead of the transfer window deadline and we are told they will offer another package, this time worth £80milllion.

West Ham have set a price of £85m for Paqueta so it remains to be seen whether the two clubs are prepared to find a solution.

The amount is the same as the release clause in Paqueta’s contract that becomes active next year but West Ham will let the 25-year-old leave for that now too.

We understand that Man City are, at this moment in time, not prepared to go over their next offer of £80m, leaving a £5m gap in valuation between the two clubs.

West Ham after Man City youngster

© ProShots - Cole Palmer is admired by West Ham

But one factor could be youngster Cole Palmer, who West Ham have made their main target. The side have already made contact with Man City over signing the 21-year-old who has shined for his current club in recent months.

Man City are looking to fill the void left after Kevin De Bruyne picked up a long-term injury.

As revealed by FootballTransfers last week, the club agreed terms with Jeremy Doku ahead of a move from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes.

We are told that Pep Guardiola is also keen on Dani Olmo of RB Leipzig but his current side have no intention to sell at this point.

West Ham fear Paqueta may push through a move to Man City and have already made plans for if a departure was to take place.

The Brazilian international signed for £51 million from Lyon last year and reports in France have stated that he has already agreed terms with Man City over a move to the Etihad.