Man City want to sign West Ham star Lucas Paqueta as Hammers continue James Ward-Prowse pursuit

Manchester City want to sign West Ham star Lucas Paqueta, talkSPORT understands.

However, West Ham are reluctant to sell the Brazilian international.

3

Paqueta has only been at West Ham a year but he’s already loved by fansCredit: Getty

3

The Hammers also maintain hope they can still sign James Ward-Prowse this summerCredit: Getty

The Hammers are also continuing their pursuit of Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse despite indicating their £30million offer that was rejected would be as high as they were willing to go.

Ward-Prowse is keen on the move and West Ham are in advanced talks with the Championship club.

Having already sold Declan Rice to Arsenal, West Ham are in danger of losing another key midfielder in Paqueta.

Paqueta joined the east London club from Lyon last summer and despite some early season struggles, the 25-year-old grew into things and helped West Ham to Conference League glory, providing the assist for Jarrod Bowen’s winning goal.

But the lure of playing for last season’s Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League winners City could be too good to turn down, while West Ham may receive an offer they cannot refuse with the huge financial backing Pep Guardiola’s side possess.

The Ward-Prowse saga has moved at a slow rate with Southampton standing firm on their £40m asking price for him.

West Ham had already had a £20m bid for the 28-year-old rejected by Saints.

He’s been with the club since he was a boy, rising up through the ranks to eventually becoming captain of the first team.

3

West Ham are yet to begin rebuilding their team after Rice’s departureCredit: Getty

The Hammers are yet to make a senior signing this summer, despite banking £105m in their sale of Rice.

They’ve seen approaches to sign Manchester United pair Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay rebuffed.

However, midfelder Edson Alvarez is expected to arrive from Ajax in a £40m deal imminently.