Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has decided not to comment on speculation linking West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta with a move to the Etihad Stadium this month.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Brazilian international wants to move to the Cityzens with the two clubs continuing to negotiate a permanent transfer this summer after a first bid was rebuffed by the Hammers yesterday.
Lucas Paquetá wants Manchester City. Club to club negotiations continue as City will bid again — after initial verbal approach for £70m rejected. 🔵🇧🇷
Players can be included in the deal, as reported yesterday.
City don’t want to overpay but preparing new verbal approach. pic.twitter.com/DKeAKYVKDL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2023
Guardiola quiet over Lucas Paqueta speculation
Speaking ahead of his side’s opening match in their title defense against Burnley tomorrow, Guardiola said, “I’m not going to comment. He’s a West Ham player”.
The Spanish coach was also coy about the future of one of his own players, winger Cole Palmer.
Palmer, who scored for the Cityzens in the Community Shield final at Wembley last Sunday, has been linked with a move to West Ham this summer leading Guardiola to say, “Cole is with us. What will happen, I don’t know. He wants to be more active than last season. Riyad Mahrez has gone, one less player. Decision belongs to Man City”.
