West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta is being investigated by England’s FA and FIFA for possible betting violations, Mail Sport reports.
Manchester City were interested in signing the Brazilian this summer after approaching his club with an offer of €85m, with the Premier League champions said to have stepped up their interest following Kevin De Bruyne’s injury.
However, on Friday morning it was reported that the talks had broken down with sources citing ‘confidential’ matters.
It can now be confirmed that the 25-year-old Brazilian is the target of an FA investigation into allegations of football gambling. The specifics have yet to be revealed as West Ham wait to see if this will lead to Paqueta being charged by the authorities.
Paqueta impressed in the Hammers’ early-season 1-1 draw at Bournemouth last weekend. He was substituted in the 90th+4th minute, a few seconds after receiving a yellow card.
It remains to be seen whether Paqueta will be available against Chelsea at the London Stadium on Sunday.