WEST HAM have reportedly seen a £34million bid rejected for Lyon talisman Lucas Paqueta with the French club keen to focus on the structuring of the deal.
Hammers boss David Moyes is keen to bolster his midfield options before the September 1 deadline.
The East London club have no points on the board in the Premier League after three games, and they’re yet to score a goal.
And so focus has turned to signing a creative player, drawing West Ham to Lyon’s Paqueta.
A bid worth £34m was tabled on Wednesday for the 24-year-old Brazil star.
However, according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, that bid has been rejected and the Hammers are expected to return with an improved offer.
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The talks are primarily “centred around [the] structure of the deal”, the journalist tweeted.
That could suggest Lyon are keen to be offered more money up front, or more attainable bonuses… or both.
Moyes would’ve got to see the player live in the flesh last season.
West Ham took on Lyon in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
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The East London club ran out 4-1 winners over two legs.
West Ham are keen on a number of other midfielders.
Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles is of interest, and could be picked up for a small fee with the player now in the final year of his contract.
Chelsea star Conor Gallagher is also being tracked by the Hammers.
Whether the Blues would part with the academy product on a loan or permanent deal is yet to be seen.
Club Brugge’s Hans Vanaken has seen an approach by West Ham be turned down by the Belgium side.
However, the player has publicly expressed his desire to try a new challenge aged 29.
Vanaken said at the weekend: “Clearly there is interest, enough has been written about it.
“New talks tomorrow and we’ll see where it ends. I think it could be my last chance and I want to do it.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
