Lucas Paqueta to Man City? Pep Guardiola's side eye West Ham star after betting investigation

The Brazilian was seemingly on the brink of moving to City for £85 million ($112.6m) in 2023 but a Football Association investigation into alleged betting breaches quickly ended that possibility. Two years on, the attacking midfielder has been cleared of those charges and now Globo Esporte claim City are still keeping tabs on the 27-year-old, having never dropped their interest in him.

Paqueta, who would have likely been banned for life if found guilty, could be on the move this summer as reports suggest West Ham are open to selling him. Kevin De Bruyne left City earlier this year and, while new recruit Rayan Cherki could be his replacement, Paqueta would add more quality to Guardiola's midfield.

The report adds West Ham won't stand in the way of a Paqueta exit, so long as they receive between £50-60m ($66m-79.5m) for the playmaker. Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr have been linked with the former Lyon man but a return to Brazilian outfit Flamengo is not an option.

It remains to be seen if Graham Potter's West Ham will receive any bids during the summer transfer window for Paqueta, whose current contract runs until 2027, although the Hammers have an option to extend that for a further year.