Man City boss Pep Guardiola has responded to speculation over a double West Ham deal for Lucas Paqueta and Cole Palmer.
A potential double transfer deal between Manchester City and West Ham has come right out of the Claret and Blue Moon in the last 24 hours.
Back in April West Ham were being heavily linked with a move for Man City attacker Cole Palmer in the summer transfer window.
With Gianluca Scamacca having been sold to Atalanta, the Hammers are desperate for attacking reinforcements.
And that desperation will become even more acute if star player Lucas Paqueta is sold to Man City as the champions push for the Brazil star.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to speculation over double West Ham deal for Lucas Paqueta and Cole Palmer
It seems the sudden approach from Man City for Brazil ace Paqueta has sparked West Ham to press home their existing interest in bringing Palmer – who can play as a winger, attacking midfielder or striker – to east London.
Earlier today it was claimed West Ham and Manchester City are holding talks over both Paqueta and Palmer.
Pep Guardiola has faced the press today ahead of the start of their latest title defence against Burnley.
So it was inevitable he would be asked about the talks with the Hammers.
Man City boss Guardiola has responded to the speculation over a double West Ham deal for Paqueta and Palmer.
And while the Spaniard did not give much away, he did hint that Palmer could be allowed to leave.
‘What’s going to happen… I don’t know’
“I will answer (questions) about Kyle Walker but not Paqueta because he’s a West Ham player,” as broadcast on Sky Sports News at 3.07pm.
“Who?” Guardiola responded when asked if Paqueta fit the kind of profile of player he wants to bring to Man City.
“He’s a West Ham player…
“Today he’s (Palmer) with us. What’s going to happen I don’t know like other cases until the end of the month.
“I understand completely he wants to be more active than the previous season, I understand that. But Riyad (Mahrez) is gone so we have one more place there. But we will see.
‘The club have to decide if it’s best’
“I cannot say anything because all the players, me included as the manager, we have a lot of desires but we have to understand the last decision belongs to the club. The club, not the players, not the agents.
“So if you want to leave from here, it’s ok – but you have to deal with the club because one moment in your life they bet for you.
“And the club have to decide if it’s the best loan them, transfer or stay here, all together we will do it.”
Shortly after the press conference we reported on emerging claims that West Ham have rejected an £88m bid from Man City but talks are continuing and ‘going well’.