West Ham transfer plans in chaos with Lucas Paqueta’s £85m Man City move off and star facing career-ending TEN-YEAR ban

LUCAS PAQUETA’s betting charge has reportedly left West Ham’s transfer plans in chaos.

The Brazilian playmaker has been charged with four counts of spot-fixing by the FA with alleged betting breaches.

Paqueta, 26, had been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City ahead of the summer.

The midfielder has a £85million release clause in his contract at the London Stadium.

The Guardian has claimed that the East London outfit had factored in his sale to the summer budget.

As Paqueta is seemingly set to stay at the club it would reduce the club amount of money available to new manager Julen Lopetegui.

The report does ass that the Hammers have been “preparing for both scenarios” should Paqueta stay.

However, Paqueta’s stay at the club could be interrupted should he be handed a career-ending TEN-YEAR ban.

The FA allege Paqueta deliberately got yellow cards against Leicester in November 2022, Aston Villa in March 2023, Leeds United in May 2023 and AFC Bournemouth on the opening day of this season.

Paqueta denies the allegations, while West Ham has promised to stand by and support their player.

The report suggests that the club were looking to sign between six and eight new players this summer.

Lopetegui would have been hoping to bolster the squad with two centre-backs, a right-back, a midfielder, a winger and a striker.

Some targets have emerged such as Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Max Kilman.

The defender is set to cost upwards of £45m although the Midlands club does have financial concerns.

Flamengo and Brazil star Fabricio Bruno has also been explored by the club.

Another reported target is Europa League hero Ademola Lookman as well as Coventry City star Callum O’Hare.

Paqueta is not accused of betting himself, which players are barred from.

The bets in question were placed by accounts registered in Paqueta Island — just off Rio de Janeiro — where the West Ham star was born.

Hammers sources say the FA should have involved the police if the allegations are so serious — given spot-fixing is a criminal offence — and believe the evidence is only circumstantial.

West Ham responded: “The club acknowledges receipt of the FA charge received by Lucas for alleged breaches of their rules.

“Lucas categorically denies the breach and will continue to robustly defend his position. The club will continue to stand by and support the player throughout the process.”