Hammer Lucas Paqueta will not strike or force his way out of West Ham by refusing to train and will remain professional, giving 100% to the Hammers until he is sold; sources close to the player have confirmed to 6foot2.
The Hammer is flattered by Manchester City’s interest and wants to move to the Premier League champions (who wouldn’t) but has been told that the Manchester club must match West Ham’s £85m valuation after an initial verbal bid under £70m was rejected.
West Ham would prefer not to sell but know Manchester City is one of two clubs that quickly turn players’ heads, the other being Real Madrid.
The club doesn’t want to lose out and insists that City should pay the market rate and not get the Hammer cheaply.
There remains a high probability that City will return and get their target before the end of the month, and West Ham has multi targets in place should that happen.
We will not attract another player of his quality this window.
If we can get £85 million for him next summer regardless, why sell him for anything less than £100 million now?
It would significantly weaken our team this season and pile even more pressure on Moyes.
Trouble is, with recent events concerning the alleged yellow card betting allegations it’s a Catch 22 situation.
If found guilty a lengthy ban (as with Brentford’s Ivan Tony) is the likely outcome. This will probably mean most of this season will be a write off.
Once he’s served his punishment gets back and match fit it it will be next summer’s transfer window and he’ll be off.
Let’s hope he’s innocent and we get at least up to the Christmas window out of him🤞