(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media, Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Wed 6 August 2025 10:00, UK

Man City are unlikely to reignite their interest in signing West Ham star Lucas Paqueta this summer, according to the club’s former senior scout.

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Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that City have already signed alternatives to the 27-year-old.

The Brazil international was cleared of any allegations surrounding suspicious betting activity by the FA following a lengthy investigation.

Brown told Football Insider on 29 July that West Ham could accept offers for Paqueta this summer as clubs have been keeping a close eye on his situation.

Pep Guardiola is known to be an admirer of the attacking midfielder after City’s £80million move fell through due to the allegations surfacing in 2023.

Any deal would now be expected to cost closer to £30million, but there is little room in the City squad and Guardiola is focusing on selling players as things stand.

Man City have made a new decision about signing Lucas Paqueta.

(Credit: Imago)

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This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.

Brown told Football Insider on 3 July that West Ham are prepared to let Paqueta leave this summer amid interest from a number of Saudi Pro League clubs.

However, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that Man City are unlikely to be among the suitors at this stage.

“City were hell-bent on getting him a couple of years ago,” he told Football Insider.

“They had a fee agreed and all of that before this FA case came along and kiboshed everything.

“I would be very surprised if City returned for that deal, because his last couple of seasons while this has been hanging over him have affected his game.

“He hasn’t been the same player City thought they were getting before.

“As far as I’m told, the focus there is very much on selling first-team squad players at the moment.

“Guardiola made it clear that he wanted his squad to be cut before the season started, but they haven’t managed to sell the players they’ve wanted to.

“I don’t think there’s space for Paqueta there even if they did want him, with the players they’ve signed.

“Guardiola is a fan of him so maybe that will play a part, but I’d say it’s unlikely.”

Pep Guardiola is set for a busy end to the transfer window.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Guardiola remains adamant that he wants to work with a smaller squad than the one currently at his disposal, with James McAtee expected to be among the sales.

Football Insider revealed on 3 August that Man City will accept £35million for McAtee after turning down an initial £25million bid from Nottingham Forest.

McAtee has just 12 months left on his City contract and is expected to leave amid growing interest from a number of Premier League and Bundesliga clubs.

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed that Cole Palmer’s Chelsea deal has set a benchmark for City, who are not prepared to let McAtee leave on the cheap.

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