Manchester City receive Lucas Paqueta boost as representatives hold ‘quiet confidence’ over upcoming FA verdict | OneFootball

Manchester City remain Lucas Paqueta’s likeliest destination as the West Ham midfielder awaits the verdict of a FA hearing into betting charges, as per a new report.

Paqueta was linked with a £80 million switch to the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2023 before a move broke down when the Brazilian was charged with spot-fixing offences in four Premier League matches and two charges of obstructing an FA investigation.

The FA have alleged that Paqueta “directly sought to influence these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee, for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting”.

On the other hand, Paqueta denies any wrongdoing and recently pulled out of the Brazil squad as the FA hearing begins after an uncertain period stretching to nearly two years that has derailed the midfielder’s career.

City are expected to conduct a surgery into their first-team squad in the summer, with incoming sporting director Hugo Viana set to heavily back Pep Guardiola in the transfer market.

Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva could both leave at the end of the season whilst it remains unsure what the summer could mean for Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Atalanta’s Ederson Silva have been reported to be leading Manchester City’s wishlist to strengthen their midfield.

According to Claret and Hugh, Manchester City could still be in the running to sign West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta as the playmaker awaits the conclusion of a FA hearing into the charges against him.

A source has told Claret and Hugh that the Etihad Stadium remains Paqueta’s most likely destination this summer, with members within the West Ham star’s camp quietly confident of avoiding a lifetime ban being considered by the FA.

City will have leverage should they rekindle their interest in Paqueta in the summer, with West Ham expected to drop their asking price significantly to get maximum value for their midfielder, who has two years left on his current deal at the London Stadium.