“We’ve had an offer” – Manager confirms bid from Manchester City for blockbuster summer transfer

Manchester City have submitted an offer for West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta, manager David Moyes has confirmed during a press conference.

Interest from the home of the Premier League champions in last season’s UEFA Europa Conference League winner emerged earlier this week, with suggestions from Brazilian media being that a verbal offer of £70 million had been launched.

Details of an £85 million release clause that becomes active in the summer of 2024 then came to light, as well as a feeling from the player’s side that he would be keen to make a move to the Etihad Stadium and may even push for an exit.

While Manchester City are understood to have been clear on the fact that they have not lodged any official bids for the midfielder, a new revelation from the London Stadium has highlighted a different situation on the future of the player and possible ongoing dialogue between clubs.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of West Ham’s opening Premier League game of the 2023/24 season, manager David Moyes was quizzed on recent reports of an interest from Manchester City in midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

Moyes confirmed, “We’ve had an offer from Manchester City, but it’s not anywhere near meeting our valuation,” as per Simon Stone of BBC Sport.

City boss Pep Guardiola was also quizzed on supposed interest from Etihad Stadium bosses in the Brazil international, however remained much more tightlipped on the subject in comparison to his managerial counterpart.

Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Guardiola responded when quizzed on the subject, “I will answer about Kyle Walker (and his Manchester City future), but not about Paqueta, because he’s a West Ham player.”

Manchester City are likely to return with a new and improved offer in the 25-year-old, with club officials remaining keen on adding new faces to Pep Guardiola’s title-hunting squad in the weeks that remain this summer.

The possibility of negotiation a loan or permanent deal for 21-year-old Academy graduate Cole Palmer remains open for Manchester City, with West Ham known to be holding an admiration for the talents and skillset of the Etihad youngster.

The understanding in other quarters with regards to Palmer’s future is that Manchester City have already rejected a proposal from Brighton & Hove Albion for the player, which was understood to have been worth in the region of £30 million.