Manchester City are reportedly set to return for West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta at the end of the season.

Paqueta, whose contract is understood to contain an £85m release clause that becomes active in June, is keen to find a fresh challenge after two seasons at the London Stadium.

Manchester City are interested in Lucas Paqueta

The Brazil international was on the brink of joining City last summer, only for the FA’s inquest into suspicious betting activity to derail the transfer, and Pep Guardiola has not dropped his interest in the playmaker.

The FA has remained silent about the timeframe of the investigation, despite repeated suggestions that a resolution is on the way.

Paqueta denies wrongdoing and was said to be shocked by the allegations, which relate to bookings that he has received. He gave investigators access to his phone last October.

City could have openings in midfield, with doubts over the futures of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. De Bruyne has been linked to the Saudi Pro League and Silva has been targeted by Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in recent years.

Manchester City could need to rejuvenate their squad and West Ham would find it difficult to deny Paqueta a chance to play for Guardiola.

Manchesteer City West Ham