Manchester City held a transfer interest in the West Ham star, but no deal was ever completed.

West Ham come out of the January transfer window, having added extra firepower in attack. They signed Brighton striker Evan Ferguson on loan, who will join back with Graham Potter.

Since being appointed as Julen Lopetegui’s replacement, Potter has won one of five games for West Ham. They lost 2-1 to Potter’s former side Chelsea in their last game, in which Jarrod Bowen returned from injury, scoring against the Blues.

They welcome Brentford to the London Stadium on Saturday, hoping to get back to winning ways. The Hammers could rely on a midfield star against the Bees, who has been tipped to leave in the summer transfer window.

West Ham star Paqueta tipped for summer exit

Lucas Paqueta previously attracted serious transfer interest from Manchester City in 2023, with reports suggesting that a deal was virtually done before Paqueta faced a ban from the FA for breaching the betting rules.

This season, he has struggled to find his best form, scoring four goals in 22 Premier League games for the Hammers, however, he has still been tipped for a big-money move in the summer window.

According to former Manchester City player and agent Barry Silkman, a deal was done for Paqueta to move to the Etihad in the summer of 2023. He said on the Talking City Podcast: “The deal was done, but then this thing with the FA came up. When that fell through, I was absolutely gutted. I brought him into West Ham and I love him as a player.

“I kept thinking a major club had to come in for him. Then eventually when they did it happened at the wrong time and it's affected Lucas ever since. He's amazing for front players, he's amazing for wide players. He creates so many chances for Kudus, Bowen. His link-up play is superb.

“He's got this amazing knack of playing the ball in space for a teammate. I think he's a wonderful midfielder who would make an amazing addition for Pep if all goes well this summer."

West Ham identifies Liverpool midfielder as Paqueta replacement

If Manchester City were to re-ignite their interest in Lucas Paqueta during the summer transfer window, it would be likely that he will leave the London Stadium, as it would be hard for many players to turn down a chance to play under Pep Guardiola.

If Paqueta was to leave, West Ham could pursue Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton, who they were linked to during the January transfer window. The Hammers were said to be considering a move for the 22-year-old in January.

Morton had a successful loan spell with Championship side Hull City last season, making 41 appearances, with three goals and five assists, as the Tigers narrowly missed out on a playoff spot.

However, he has struggled to get regular game time this season under Arne Slot, making just five appearances in all competitions. He has however made three appearances for the U21s in the Premier League 2, scoring three goals and one assist.

Despite being more of a defensive midfielder, Morton fits the mould of what Declan Rice has become at Arsenal, playing as more of a playmaker rather than a holding midfielder. He could become a future replacement for Paqueta, should the Brazilian leave in the summer.