Manchester City set to submit new bid for Brazilian midfield maestro

Premier League champions Manchester City are set to submit a new bid for West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta after having their opening bid for the Brazilian rejected by the Hammers.

Manchester City made an opening bid of £70 million for Paqueta before the start of the Premier League season, but West Ham rejected the offer, while both clubs remained in contact.

The Cityzens have been in search of midfield cover this transfer window, and their need for another central midfielder became more apparent after the injury to captain Kevin De Bruyne in the opening fixture of the new Premier League season.

The Manchester side are now set to return with a second bid for Paqueta, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, hoping to agree on a deal before the close of the transfer window.

West Ham have already shown that they are tough negotiators, after pushing Arsenal to the limit during talks for midfielder Declan Rice, who eventually joined the Gunners for a club record £105 million.

The Hammers might be unwilling to lose another key midfielder so close to the transfer deadline and will push for a significant fee for Paqueta as they chase replacements.

Paqueta still has four years left on his current deal with West Ham, after joining from Lyon just last year in a €42.95 million deal, giving the Hammers leverage over negotiations with Manchester City.