JUST NOW: Fantastic news for West Ham as Man City’s acquisition of Lucas Paqueta takes an unexpected turn due to…

JUST NOW: Fantastic news for West Ham as Man City’s acquisition of Lucas Paqueta takes an unexpected turn due to…

It’s no secret that West Ham star Lucas Paqueta almost joined Manchester City last summer before the betting accusations made against him.

But the reported £85m move to Man City collapsed as a result of the FA case.

West Ham will be counting their lucky stars that was the case given how bad they have been without Lucas Paqueta over the last two months.

That investigation is still hanging over Paqueta, who denies the allegations.

Manchester City still want Paqueta

It has not stopped speculation that Manchester City will resurrect the Paqueta deal with West Ham in the summer window.

Especially after it emerged Paqueta’s people are pushing the FA for a conclusion so he can get that “dream” move.

Hammers fans clearly don’t want to see their Brazilian magnifico leave.

And there’s great news for West Ham as the Man City move for Paqueta takes a significant twist.

Silva lining for West Ham as deal takes twist

Because The Telegraph claims the champions will now only be able to sign Paqueta if Bernardo Silva is sold.

And selling Silva may be far easier said than done. He will have two years left on a contract extension signed just summer. He turns 30 in the summer and there has been tightening of the belt across all of Europe when it comes to transfer spending.

While it is not explicitly stated, it appears to be a clear sign Man City are having to tread more carefully regarding transfers as a result of the 115 FFP charges hanging over their head.

The report states Man City will only sign Paqueta from West Ham if Silva can be sold.

So it will give the Hammers hope of perhaps holding on to their playmaker for one more season – or better still – beyond.

FA charge could mean one more year at West Ham for Paqueta

It comes after journalist Graeme Bailey reported that Manchester City are more determined than ever to sign the Hammers star in the summer.

“Sources have told HITC that Manchester City fully intend on making a new bid for West Ham United attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta this summer,” Bailey states.

“Paqueta’s camp were left infuriated at being denied a move to City last summer and they are now pushing the FA to announce their results as they are determined to make sure they don’t impact on his future again.”

Man City will not sell Silva without knowing for sure they can sign Paqueta from West Ham.

And any deal between the champions and the Hammers could be further protracted.