Manchester City are expected to wrap up a long-awaited deal to sign Lucas Paqueta from West Ham after agreeing personal terms with the midfielder.
♦ City attempted to sign Paqueta last year
♦ Probe into betting activity ended pursuit
♦ Midfielder agrees to summer transfer
WHAT HAPPENED?
City have a personal agreement with the Brazilian in place over his wages as they prepare to sign him in the summer transfer window, Foot Mercato reports. However, the reigning European and English champions are still to strike a deal with the Hammers over a transfer fee.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
City attempted to sign the midfielder from the east London team last summer, but they pulled out of the reported £85 million deal because an investigation into alleged betting breaches was opened up by the Football Association (FA).
DID YOU KNOW?
Paqueta, who has scored eight goals and registered seven assists in all competitions this season, recently opened up about the investigation into his alleged betting activity, saying: “It’s been seven months since it’s been happened and I’m co-operating, doing what’s in my power so that it can be resolved.”
WHAT NEXT FOR WEST HAM?
Paqueta’s current contract at West Ham runs until 2027, though there is an option to extend his stay for another year. West Ham, then, could hold out for a similar £85m ($108m) fee from City this year before they agree to let him go.