Man City ‘decide’ on their top two transfer targets after withdrawing interest in Lucas Paqueta amid betting scandal

Manchester City have let go of Lucas Paqueta after he was charged by the FA with breaching betting rules
The FA charged the West Ham midfielder on Thursday following a nine-month investigation into allegations he deliberately collected bookings to influence the betting market
If proven, the Brazilian will face a lengthy ban even though he flatly denies the allegations against him
City were interested in signing the 26-year-old before the investigation was launched, but reports now suggest they have turned their attention to other targets as Paqueta awaits a verdict from a independent committee
HITC claim Pep Guardiola’s side have informed Paqueta’s representatives that they no longer want to do a deal for the Brazil international due to the allegations
However, City remain interested in bringing a new attacking midfielder to the club and have identified two players who fit the bill, amid continued speculation over their long-term future
Bernardo Silva at the club
Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz was on their shortlist but has reportedly decided to stay with the Bundesliga club, meaning City will turn to RB Leipzig duo Dani Olmo and Xavi Simons
Olmo is said to have a release clause in his Leipzig contract – similar to the one that saw Dominik Szoboszlai move to Liverpool last summer – but Man City are expected to Act fast as it expires mid-July
The Spaniard is expected to cost around £50m, significantly cheaper than the proposed deal to sign Paqueta
Meanwhile, Simons has become one of Europe’s brightest talents and will return to parent club Paris Saint-Germain after a loan spell with the Bundesliga side
The 21-year-old scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in his first season in Germany, following an impressive spell with PSV Eindhoven where he scored 19 goals
City have expressed an interest in the youngster but are believed to want a move to Barcelona
With Paqueta out of the equation and Bernardo Silva still set to leave the club, it will be interesting to see who lines up in City’s midfield next year

 


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