MANCHESTER CITY have ended their interest in West Ham star Lucas Paqueta.
But they already have a £68million Plan B lined up following the Brazilian’s alleged breach of betting rules.
Paqueta, 25, is under investigation by the FA after a number of wagers were reportedly placed in his homeland relating to a booking against Aston Villa in March.
Paqueta denies any wrongdoing ahead of an interview with the FA.
Treble winners City were closing in on a £70m transfer deal for Paqueta before the news broke.
And after taking a step back from talks, Sky Sports claims City have now completely ended their interest.
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It means Pep Guardiola remains light in attacking midfield, with Ilkay Gundogan joining Barcelona this summer and Kevin de Bruyne out injured.
But City are already thought to have found an alternative in RB Leipzig playmaker Dani Olmo.
The Spaniard helped his side smash Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup.
And City are now ready to launch a £68m bid for the ex-Barcelona youngster, with Guardiola already raiding Leipzig for defender Josko Gvardiol.
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Boss Marco Rose has already had his say on Olmo’s links to the Etihad.
He declared: “There are too many rumours. At some points it’s enough.
“We lost many players in the end, I need a team to play football with.
“As far as Olmo to City goes, I could say ‘never ever’ but I won’t say it.”
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