Man City considering move for Paqueta alternative

Manchester City began their Premier League title defence with a comfortable 3-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Friday evening. 

It took Erling Haaland just four minutes to score his first goal of the new campaign, and the Norwegian doubled his and City’s tally before half-time.

Midfielder Rodri – who scored the Citizens’ winner in the Champions League final back in June – then added a third in the second half to ensure an opening day victory for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The only negative for City was that instrumental midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was forced off injured early on, with new signing Mateo Kovacic replacing him.

Kovacic is one of two new arrivals at The Etihad this summer, along with Josko Gvardiol, but it appears that a third could soon be on the way.

According to Football Insider, City remain interested in West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta but are now assessing alternative options.

Paqueta remains a target for Manchester City

Guardiola is reportedly keen to sign the Brazilian before the transfer window shuts at the end of August, and City have already had one offer for the player rejected by the Hammers.

City’s first offer for Paqueta was believed to have been £70 million, but the reigning Premier League champions are now set to return with a second bid.

The 25-year-old joined West Ham from French side Lyon last summer for a fee of around £35 million and enjoyed an impressive debut season in England.

In total the 42-time Brazil international made 41 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals and providing seven assists.

The report also claims that the City boss is confident that Paqueta would be able to fit straight into his hugely successful side and impress, without needing time to adapt.

The Hammers will be extremely reluctant to sell Paqueta this summer having already allowed Declan Rice – his midfield partner last term – to join Arsenal in a deal worth a staggering £105 million.