West Ham interested in Manchester City forward Cole Palmer as makeweight in Lucas Paqueta talks
West Ham are interested in Manchester City forward Cole Palmer, who could be used as a makeweight in talks over a potential deal for Lucas Paqueta.
Palmer scored against Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday and has looked set for a more regular role at City this season following the departure of Riyad Mahrez.
But their move for Paqueta could limit his action and West Ham will push to include him in negotiations with City over the Brazilian, either on loan or in a permanent deal.
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West Ham manager David Moyes likes the idea of using Jarrod Bowen as a centre-forward and has identified Palmer as a target to play on the right wing.
Palmer cut in from the right and bent a brilliant curling effort past Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at Wembley at the weekend.
He was in the England team that won the European Under-21 Championship this summer, his free-kick deflecting off Curtis Jones for the only goal in the final against Spain.
West Ham face a fight to keep hold of Paqueta after City launched a £60million move for the 25-year-old.
The Hammers do not want to lose the former Lyon midfielder and have told City they have to pay around £85m to sign him.
West Ham are stepping up their transfer activity after a frustrating summer and have agreed £30m deals for both Harry Maguire and James Ward-Prowse.
Southampton midfielder Ward-Prowse is due to travel to London on Thursday for a medical but he is unlikely to sign in time to face Bournemouth on Saturday.
Manchester United centre-back Maguire has agreed personal terms with West Ham and is in talks with United about a severance package.
West Ham have also finalised their a £32m move for Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez, who has signed a five-year contract worth £100,000 a week.