Man City Explore £70m Deal for ‘Outstanding Talent’ Who Newcastle And Eddie Howe ‘Admire’
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe hailed Lucas Paqueta as an ‘outstanding talent’ and Manchester City are now keen on a move for the West Ham midfielder
Manchester City have reportedly opened talks over a deal worth in excess of £70 million to sign Lucas Paqueta. The Brazil international and former club team-mate of Bruno Guimaraes was the subject of interest from Newcastle United last summer but ultimately joined West Ham.
Paqueta endured a difficult start to life in the capital as he struggled to adjust to the Premier League, but would ultimately register five goals and seven assists in his debut season. The 25-year-old provided the assist for Jarrod Bowen’s winning goal in the Europa Conference League final victory over Fiorentina in May as the Hammers lifted their first European trophy since 1965.
West Ham have already banked £105 million from the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal, but could now lose another of their prized assets this summer judging by the latest reports. The Athletic claim Pep Guardiola holds a ‘firm interest’ in Paqueta, but suggest City have not yet lodged a formal offer.
However, reports elsewhere suggest the treble winners have already submitted an opening proposal in the region of £70 million. West Ham are reluctant to sell Paqueta, although the player himself is said to be keen on the move.
The Toon Army will remember the Paqueta transfer saga last summer, with Newcastle continually linked before the attacking midfielder secured a transfer to the London Stadium. The former target even fuelled the speculation over a prospective move after being pictured on Tyneside while visiting former Lyon team-mate Guimaraes.
Paqueta scored against the Magpies at St James’ Park in February, with Eddie Howe outlining his admiration for the midfielder when asked about the transfer rumours. Speaking ahead of the 1-1 draw with the Hammers, the head coach told reporters: “It was never close, but we certainly admire the player greatly. There are loads of different reasons (it didn’t happen), transfer fees etc.
“He’s an outstanding talent, and plays in a number of positions. He gives West Ham something totally different in the middle of the pitch.”
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