West Ham United have responded to a sudden and shocking new claim about a move for Man City target Lucas Paqueta.
West Ham’s transfer plan for this summer’s window was very different to the reality that is panning out.
When the Hammers were planning this summer’s major rebuild it was on the basis they would have an extra £85m to play with from the sale of Lucas Paqueta to Man City.
As the world knows, West Ham and Man City agreed a deal to take Paqueta to the Etihad last summer for his £85m release clause.
But an investigation was opened into his alleged involvement in illegal betting over yellow cards and it put paid to that move.
David Moyes recently confirmed he was on the verge of signing Cole Palmer from Man City until the collapse of the Paqueta deal scuppered that plan.
Journalist Graeme Bailey reported that Manchester City were ‘more determined than ever’ to sign West Ham’s playmaker this summer.
Speculation was rife that the case against Paqueta was going to be dropped.
Paqueta suddenly linked with new move away from West Ham
Many West Ham supporters had come around to the idea of selling Paqueta.
The feeling among some was that the Brazilian ended last season ‘coasting’ ahead of an “expected” move to the Etihad this summer.
But when the FA announced Paqueta had been formally charged, the prospect of Paqueta’s “dream” move to Man City hit the buffers again.
The Brazilian is going to have his fate decided by a three-person independent panel at at unknown date.
One thing is now clear, though, Paqueta looks likely to leave West Ham when his future is decided one way or another.
If he is found guilty then he will receive a long-term ban and the door will be open for the Hammers to sue the player. If he is absolved in the not too distant future then he will be sold.
The issue is that West Ham cannot sell him until the panel hands down its decision.
Or could they?
It was reported last month that the Saudis were looking to strike a cheaper deal with West Ham that gave the Hammers some money while lessening the risk on their side should he be banned.
Then last night, Brazil outlet OGlobo claimed Flamengo are exploring a deal to take Paqueta home to where his football career began.
The report states Flamengo are exploring a variety of options including a loan with an obligation to buy if and when Paqueta is cleared.
Transfer report Fabrizio Romano has also reported the news.
That will clearly raise eyebrows at Manchester City who are expected to resurrect their move if the panel rules in Paqueta’s favour.
But what do the Hammers hierarchy make of the reports from Brazil?
West Ham respond to new claim about Man City target Paqueta
West Ham have responded to the shocking new claim about a move for Man City target Paqueta.
Top West Ham source Sean Whetstone counts vice-chair Karren Brady and majority owner David Sullivan among his close contacts at West Ham.
He has spoken to a senior club source about the new Paqueta claims this morning.
The Hammers spokesman did confirm Flamengo’s interest.
But Manchester City will be relieved at what they had to say.
“Reports that Flamengo are in negotiations with West Ham over a loan for Lucas Paqueta are NOT TRUE a senior club source has revealed this morning,” Whetstone said.
“The source did confirm Flamengo did approach the Hammers months ago with a loan offer for the Brazilian Hammer but it was firmly rejected and there were no talks.”
It comes just days after new West Ham’s new head coach Julen Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten publicly backed Paqueta.
They both told Paqueta that he is part of the West Ham family and the club were going to look after him.
Paqueta remains West Ham’s record signing at £51m.
He is also West Ham’s highest paid player on record earning a reported £150k per week.
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