There’s been a major Lucas Paqueta twist for West Ham as a source close to co-owner David Sullivan responded to the Man City deal claim.
West Ham fans are loathe to lose their leading player two summers in a row as Man City links to Lucas Paqueta refuse to go away.
But as with Declan Rice before him, it feels like a case of when and not if Paqueta joins City.
It is one of football’s worst kept secrets that Hammers talisman Paqueta almost joined Manchester City last summer.
A deal was all but agreed between the two clubs for £85m. But it collapsed when betting accusations were made against the West Ham talisman, which he vehemently denies.
That investigation is still hanging over Paqueta and his people are said to be pushing for a conclusion so he can complete a move to Man City.
Paqueta ‘agrees terms with Man City’ claims French report
Journalist Graeme Bailey reported recently that Manchester City are more determined than ever to sign West Ham’s playmaker in the summer.
If the case against the former Flamengo, AC Milan and Lyon man is settled then that seems inevitable with Man City star Bernardo Silva looking set for a £50m move to Barcelona.
Last night French outlet Foot Mercato reported that Manchester City have already unofficially agreed personal terms with Paqueta on a long-term contract ‘with the transfer fee likely to be agreed in the summer’.
It is claimed that Pep Guardiola admires Paqueta’s continued high level performances for West Ham despite the ongoing investigation into his yellow cards.
But there has been a major Paqueta twist for West Ham as a David Sullivan source responds to the Man City deal claim.
Major twist as Sullivan source responds to claim
Agent Barry Silkman was influential in helping West Ham to sign Paqueta from Lyon.
And he has provided updates on the player’s situation in the recent past to the likes of Claret and Hugh.
Silkman is a close confidant of David Sullivan as is Hammers insider Sean Whetstone.
Silkman is not named as the source, but Whetstone has claimed he has it on good authority from ‘someone close to the player’ that the reports overnight are not true.
“Reports that Lucas Paqueta has agreed personal terms with Manchester City have been denied by someone close to the player,” Whetstone said.
“The Brazilian remains respectful to West Ham and is concentrated on the remainder of the season for the Hammers.
“His gambling investigation needs to be officially concluded and City need to formally lodge a bid with West Ham before personal terms can be agreed.
“The report has all the hallmarks of an agent leaked story.”
Silva sale suggests summer deal is on if case is concluded
In February The Telegraph claimed the reigning champions will only be able to sign Paqueta if Silva is sold this summer.
While it was not explicitly stated, it appears to be a clear sign Man City are having to tread more carefully regarding transfers as a result of the 115 FFP charges hanging over their head.
Initially that news appeared to be a boost for West Ham’s hopes of keeping Paqueta.
But it emerged over the weekend that Silva has a £50m release clause in his contract active from this summer with Barcelona ready to activate it.