Manchester City's reported interest in West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta is currently "just speculation" according to Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer specialist reported via his Daily Briefing Column (23 October) that although Pep Guardiola's side held an interest in the Brazilian midfielder during the summer transfer window, a potential January move is unlikely at the current moment.

Paqueta has "always been appreciated" by the Premier League Champions but currently, there have been no further developments in a potential transfer, with Romano believing a move may not make sense after City signed Matheus Nunes in the summer.

A new midfielder could become a priority should Kalvin Phillips make the move away from the Etihad as expected when the January transfer window opens, but how any potential exit is structured will be crucial to whether or not City make a move for Paqueta or any other new midfielder.

Hold on

It looks as though West Ham may well be able to keep hold of one of their most important players at least until the summer transfer window and that could be a huge boost to the Hammers' European and domestic hopes for the remainder of the campaign.

Paqueta has been in excellent form for David Moyes' side so far this season, barring a slightly sloppy display against Aston Villa on Sunday (22 October) and it would have been a huge loss to the Irons had they lost the Brazilian, especially to one of the Premier League's biggest sides.

Moyes has shown that he can adapt his side should they lose some of their biggest players, as they have done this season having lost Declan Rice to Arsenal. But had they had to do the same with Paqueta so soon after Rice's departure, it may have proved one change too many.

There is every chance that Manchester City's stance could change between now and the start of the transfer window and there are almost certainly other clubs that will be eyeing a potential move for the Brazilian given his recent form.

West Ham have shown that they won't allow a team to undercut their valuation of a player so supporters at the London Stadium should at least be confident they'll receive a big fee for Paqueta should he depart in the upcoming transfer windows.

In other West Ham news, Jermaine Jenas has slammed Paqueta after he "just strolled around" in the Hammers' defeat to Aston Villa

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