West Ham United set a £60-£70 million price tag for playmaker Lucas Paqueta, per ExWHUEmployee (via the West Ham Way).
The Hammers wanted to sell him two seasons ago, but could not after the betting allegations emerged. Multiple reliable sources claim the Brazilian is poised to beat the case.
West Ham will sell him for less than the £85 million they wanted when Manchester City first showed interest in snapping him up.
However, it is also double the £30 million that the Daily Mail quoted.
The Irons paid £36.5 million to sign Paqueta from Lyon, and he has proven an excellent addition.
Unfortunately, his form took a nosedive last season as a career-threatening ban hung over his head. He managed only five goals and no assists.
West Ham hoped for a favourable decision in the case so they could cash in on the former AC Milan star. Nevertheless, the Irons might struggle to get the price they want.
On his day, Paqueta is a ‘very good technically gifted footballer’, but the 27-year-old is coming off a disastrous season, and not many clubs will be willing to take that punt.
West Ham will be hoping for a bid from the Saudi Pro League (View). Their Public Investment Fund-backed clubs might be the only sides that can pay such a fee.
Manchester City have already signed Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki.
His former side, Flamengo, showed interest while his case was on. Despite the FIFA Club World Cup windfall, it is hard to see them offering such a hefty fee.
Any profit from the Paqueta sale will reinforce other areas of the ageing West Ham squad this summer.
The Hammers could use strengthening between the sticks, in the engine room, and in the attack.
The report mentions that the club will ramp up talks for a goalkeeper after Alphonse Areola’s poor display versus Manchester United.