Manchester City have reaffirmed their interest in signing West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta, according to reports in Brazil.

It’s been exactly two years since the player’s move to the Etihad collapsed after the 27-year-old was accused of spot-fixing.

However, after Paqueta was cleared of any wrongdoing earlier this week, Globo Esporte claim that City have “sent word” to the player that he is still on their radar.

At the moment, there is no indication that Pep Guardiola’s side will make a formal approach for the Brazilian international, but it is definitely back on the agenda.

What has Paqueta said after being cleared of spot-fixing allegations?

Taking to social media on Thursday, the midfielder expressed his relief that he had been acquitted:

“I can’t express how grateful I am to God and how eager I am to get back to playing football with a smile on my face.”

Paqueta clearly felt the weight of the allegations at times. He was in tears after being given a yellow card against Tottenham in May. Head coach Graham Potter confirmed after the game that the player had been affected by the investigation.

West Ham have slapped an asking price on the player

While the Irons are said to be happy to keep Paqueta, Globo Esporte revealed that the club have “already signalled” that they would be prepared to part ways if they receive a fee between €50m and £60m.

It remains to be seen whether such an offer will arrive between now and the transfer deadline on September 1st, but with the spotfixing scandal resolved, Paqueta can now focus on the rest of his career, whether that is at the London Stadium or elsewhere.

In other news, West Ham are set to hold a meeting with their “number one target” as club try to seal £30m transfer