Man City looking for Paqueta at a reduced rate
According to Foot Mercato, cheeky Manchester City is trying to secure a deal for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá without paying his £85 million release clause.
Last summer, the two clubs nearly finalised a transfer for the Brazilian midfielder, with City initially prepared to meet the release clause. However, the agreement collapsed at the last minute when the FA announced an investigation into alleged betting breaches involving the player.
Paqueta in the cheap? I don’t think so Pep
City are now reportedly looking to lower the transfer fee rather than triggering the buyout clause. How solid this report is remains to be seen, but Paqueta has looked increasingly frustrated over recent games for West Ham.
The story is bizarrely timed given the news that Manchester United are considering entering the bidding for the Hammers playmaker.
City famously entered the bidding for Declan Rice during the summer but withdrew their interest once Arsenal bid over £100m for the then Irons captain.
Realistically, Man City need to pay up or shut up. West Ham don’t need to sell Lucas and the only reason he’s available is because of the clause.