DAVID MOYES admits Lucas Paqueta’s head HAS been turned by Manchester City’s interest.
But, the West Ham boss has told his Brazilian playmaker that he is staying put unless City vastly improve on their verbal offer of around £70m.
Pep Guardiola is very interested in bringing Paqueta to the Etihad to fill the gaps left by the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez.
Paqueta, 25 – who joined the Hammers from Lyon last August for £51m including add-ons – has four years left on his contract that includes an £85m release clause from next summer.
West Ham are adamant they do not want to sell another big star during this window at any price following Declan Rice’s £105m departure to Arsenal last month.
Moyes refused to put a price tag on Paqueta, but it is believed the club would only begin to consider an offer closer to £100m, given they have time to find a replacement.
City are yet to make an official bid.
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But as it stands, Moyes has confirmed that Paqueta WILL be a part of the squad that takes on Bournemouth in their Premier League opener tomorrow afternoon.
Moyes said: “We’ve had an offer from Manchester City, it’s not close enough to our valuation, so at the moment we have no decision [to make].”
On whether Paqueta’s head has been turned, Moyes added: “There are a couple of football clubs in the world who could turn your head quite easily.
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“Let’s be fair, Manchester City are probably one of them.
“I brought Lucas up to speed with everything I know. He’s fully aware of everything. I explained to him where we’re at, what’s been said, so he knows.”
West Ham have made their first signing of the summer in Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez, 25, for £35m on a five-year deal.
However, the Mexican international will NOT be involved at the Cherries tomorrow owing to the fact he has not yet trained with the squad after his recent international exploits.
Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, 28, completed his medical today ahead of his £30m switch, but is not expected to be announced as a West Ham player until early next week.
Talks continue with Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, 30, over a £30m move. West Ham are believed to have agreed to pay £120k-a-week of the player’s £190-a-week wages, with United also forking out a £6m leaving package to cover the two years remaining on his current contract.
There have been reports of tension between Moyes and new technical director Tim Steidten – formerly of Bayer Leverkusen – over player recruitment this summer.
Moyes is believed to have opted for more British-based targets with Prem experience, while Steidten has been suggesting younger players from the European market.
On their working relationship, Moyes said: “We have got on very well actually. There has been a lot of rubbish spoken.
“We may not agree on every player, but there would be something wrong if we did. The longer we are together, the longer we work together, the better it will become.
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“Tim had been working at another club and had players in mind for his other club.
“But it’s a different way you’ve got to do it when you’re buying players for the Premier League compared to the German league.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
