West Ham United are reportedly prepared to let Lucas Paqueta leave this summer, should Manchester City meet the player's valuation.
The 26-year-old has been a key figure for the Hammers since securing a switch from Ligue 1 Lyon in the summer of 2022, playing 75 times and scoring 12 goals.
Paqueta was part of the West Ham side famously lifted the Europa Conference League last term, beating Italian side Fiorentina in the final in Albania.
With Premier League places to fight for and a Europa League clash versus Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen next week, the former Flamengo attacker is set for a busy final weeks of the season in East London.
The midfielder is also a regular fixture for his country, netting a last-minute equaliser against Spain for Brazil during March's international break.
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Manchester City receive boost in Paqueta pursuit
According to Football Insider, West Ham are expecting Man City to return for the services of Paqueta following the conclusion of the 2023-24 term.
The report claims that David Moyes's side will not stand in the way of a switch for the Brazil international to Pep Guardiola's title-chasing citizens.
It is understood that Paqueta is very keen on a move to the blue side of Manchester, where he could compete for major honours surrounded by world-class teammates.
Following yesterday's goalless draw with Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, Man City are third in the Premier League standings, three points behind leaders Liverpool.
Guardiola's troops are set to face an incredibly-busy April, pitting their wits in the Champions League versus Real Madrid before facing Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.
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Second time lucky for Paqueta?
It was widely reported that Man City were keen on a transfer for Paqueta last summer, and the deal was said to be quite advanced before collapsing.
The Citizens and the Hammers had agreed an £80m fee in principle which would have seen the Brazilian swap the the London Stadium for the Etihad ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
However, with an FA investigation into potential betting breaches hanging over the midfielder, Guardiola's side moved onto the acquisition of other targets.
Late in the summer window, Man City secured the services of Matheus Nunes from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a deal worth £53m between the two sides.
Paqueta's current deal at the London Stadium expires in the summer of 2027, but it is claimed that West Ham will accept an offer of £80m for the player this summer.
Carter White
