LUCAS PAQUETA has a secret release clause which could help Manchester City land their new target.
The West Ham midfielder has been linked with a £70million move to the Treble winners this summer, but reports suggest the Hammers don't want to sell.
However Paqueta has a release clause of £85million in his deal at the London Stadium.
But unfortunately for City the clause doesn't kick into action until next summer and so won't help their current pursuit of the Brazilian.
Pep Guardiola is looking for a new playmaker at the Etihad after losing both Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan this summer.
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Despite rumours of a £70million offer from the Cityzens, Sky Sports News has reported West Ham have dismissed the approach and deem it in no way acceptable.
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The East Londoners are understood to not even be considering selling Paqueta, who joined the club last summer for a club-record fee of £51million from French outfit Lyon.
SunSport also understands no official bid has yet been made by City.
Paqueta featured 28 times in the Premier League last term scoring four goals and registering a further three assists.
West Ham have already raked in the cash this summer after selling Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105million.
Manager David Moyes is now looking at making moves to fill the gaps in his squad with reports of a £35million deal being agreed for Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez.
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They are also believed to have agreed a £30million deal with Manchester United for out of favour Harry Maguire.
And the spending spree continued this morning with a £30m deal for Southampton's James Ward-Prowse close to being completed.
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They'll be hoping to complete any deals as quick as possible with the new season fast approaching.
West ham kick off their league campaign on Saturday with a trip to the South Coast to face Bournemouth.
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