West Ham star Lucas Paqueta almost joined Man City last summer and there’s been an air of inevitability that the move will be resurrected.
It’s no great secret that West Ham talisman Lucas Paqueta would be a Manchester City player now were it not for the betting accusations made against him.
The plug was pulled on a reported £85m move to Man City as a result of the FA case.
That investigation remains ongoing and Paqueta vehemently denies the charges.
Paqueta investigation saw £85m Man City move collapse
West Ham will be counting their lucky stars the Brazilian remained their player given how good they can be with him and how poor they have been without him.
Speculation has abound that Manchester City will resurrect the Paqueta deal with West Ham in the summer window.
Especially after it emerged Paqueta’s people are pushing the FA for a conclusion so he can get that “dream” move.
West Ham have one big hope of keeping star man
Hammers fans clearly don’t want to see their key man leave.
But he might not if someone else does.
Because the club’s owners could hold the key to the playmaker staying at the London Stadium.
West Ham have one big hope of keeping Paqueta from leaving for Man City next season says a journalist.
Graeme Bailey has spoken exclusively to Hammers News about the situation.
And the journalist, who claimed in January that Paqueta is set to be cleared of any wrongdoing, says West Ham might be able to keep their Brazilian magnifico.
But only if they replace David Moyes with a manager who plays a more exciting brand of football.
“Obviously you take Lucas Paqueta out of this team, a player who David Moyes arguably never even wanted in the first place, and it leaves a huge hole,” Bailey told Hammers News.
Top class Moyes replacement could keep Paqueta at West Ham
“I think one of the reasons Paqueta will be leaving is that he doesn’t like playing the football that he’s asked to at West Ham.
“That might be the silver – or even golden – lining that if West Ham bring in a manager who is good enough, could you keep Lucas Paqueta? And if you could you are in a position to seriously push on – he’s one of the best midfielders in Europe on his day. He clearly is.
“He’s absolutely sublime and if there’s a chance to keep Lucas Paqueta then sorry Mr Moyes but what better reason to change Mr Moyes than if you can keep Paqueta.
“I think West Ham will get someone good. I think Steidten will fancy his chances.”
Bailey revealed this week there is only way Moyes stays at West Ham beyond this summer.
And he claims Tim Steidten’s pulling power means West Ham are realistically targeting two coveted managers.
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