Manchester City could launch a fresh approach to sign West Ham star Lucas Paqueta after a summer move to the Etihad Stadium dramatically collapsed.

The Brazilian international had looked set to move to the Etihad Stadium during the recent transfer window, having emerged as a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who suffered a serious hamstring injury on the first weekend of the campaign.

Manchester City considered three Premier League midfielders after De Bruyne's injury, and completed a PS53 million deal for Matheus Nunes on Deadline Day from Wolves, having failed to sign a number of transfer targets.

Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice were both targeted by Manchester City, meanwhile a bombshell FA and FIFA investigation caused a move for Paqueta to collapse.

West Ham and Manchester City reportedly agreed an PS80 million deal in principle for the 26-year-old, before an investigation relating to a number of suspicious bets scuppered any transfer to the Etihad Stadium.

Paqueta moved to east London for a club-record PS51 million in 2022, and was directly involved in 12 goals in 41 appearances for David Moyes' side, as the Hammers won the UEFA Europa Conference League, last season.

Eagle-eyed supporters noticed Paqueta shake hands with both Pep Guardiola and Juanma Lillo ahead of kick-off at the London Stadium when Manchester City beat West Ham 3-1 in the Premier League last month, fuelling fresh transfer talk.

The Blues had been linked with potentially returning for the Brazil international in the January transfer window, and according to FootballTransfers, Manchester City 'maintain' an interest in the Hammers star.

The outlet further claim that Paqueta could be subject to a fresh approach from Manchester City following the conclusion of an investigation into the midfielder, with the potential for a deal to be 'struck' in 2024.

The 26-year-old is widely reported to have an PS85 million release clause which becomes active next summer.