Man City ‘agree personal terms with Lucas Paqueta but have not spoken to West Ham yet over summer transfer’

MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly agreed personal terms with Lucas Paqueta despite not having spoken to West Ham over a transfer yet.

Paqueta, 26, has been one of David Moyes’ shining lights this season with eight goals and six assists in all competitions.

GettyMan City have struck terms with Lucas Paqueta but are yet to talk to West Ham[/caption]

The Brazilian superstar, who has 44 caps for his country, was strongly tipped for a move to the Etihad last summer.

City were set to splash £85million on Paqueta after their Treble win.

But they backed out when the FA opened an investigation into potential betting-rule breaches, which is yet to be resolved.

However, City reignited their interest in February amid doubts over Bernardo Silva’s future.

And Foot Mercato claim the champions have now gone a step further by already wrapping up personal terms with Paqueta over a long-term contract.

The tenacious playmaker can play anywhere in the four behind Erling Haaland.

And his past experiences at AC Milan and Lyon mean he will be at home alongside seasoned stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri.

However, it’s added that City are yet to open talks with West Ham over a transfer fee.

Moyes’ men are likely to demand an eye-watering figure.

And it could even exceed the £85m City were prepared to pay last year.

Should he arrive, Paqueta will be the second Brazilian signed by Guardiola this summer.

City have already struck a deal to land winger Savio from sister club Toyes.

He has eight goals and seven assists in 29 games for LaLiga’s surprise package Girona, another City Group side.

But fans are still patiently waiting for an official announcement.

Those numbers in full:

Flamengo, 2016-2018: 95 games, 18 goals

AC Milan, 2018-2020: 44 games, 1 goal

Lyon, 2020-2023: 80 games, 21 goals

West Ham, 2022-24: 77 games, 13 goals

Brazil, 2018-2024: 44 games, 10 goals

Trophies: Carioca Championship, Guanabara Cup (Flamengo); Europa Conference League (West Ham); Copa America (Brazil)