Lucas Paqueta has agreed a six-year deal to join Manchester City from West Ham after speaking to Pep Guardiola, according to Mohamed Bouhafsi.

Writing on his personal Twitter account (11 August), the former RMC Sport journalist reports that the Brazilian midfielder has held talks with the City boss about a move and agreed personal terms.

David Moyes has confirmed that the treble winners have made a formal bid for Paqueta but said it was nowhere near what West Ham want for him, with Bouhafis claiming that the bid was for €85m (£73m) plus €10m (£8.6m) in add-ons, but the Hammers want €110m (£94.9m) without bonuses to let him go.

“Lucas Paqueta has agreed to a 6-year contract with Manchester City,” he wrote. “He spoke with Pep Guardiola.

“Man City made an offer of 85 million + 10 in bonuses. West Ham want 110 million without bonuses.

“Ongoing negotiations but Man City are optimistic given the player’s willingness.”

Take it

When Paqueta joined the club it was one of the biggest statement signings we have made in a long time.

A top player coming from Europe for a big fee to improve the squad, and it immediately paid dividends when we won our first trophy in over 40 years with his performances in that cup run being influential.

But if he doesn’t want to be here anymore because a club that win trophies more regularly want him, then cash in and bring in people who actually want to be here.

We spent the best part of £50m to sign him last year, and we can almost double that with the current bid on the table which is likely to go up the next time they come to the table.

Sell him, use that money to bolster the squad in other areas too and lets go and win another trophy without him to show that he’s not bigger than this football club.