Lucas Paqueta 'investigated by the FA for potential betting breaches' amid Man City move collapse

Lucas Paqueta is being investigated by the FA for potential betting breaches, it has been claimed.

Manchester City were interested in signing Paqueta this summer after reportedly inquiring about the player's services.

Yet on Friday morning it emerged that talks over the move had collapsed. The reason cited was that the Hammers wanted in excess of £85million for the Brazilian.

And the Mail Online have now claimed that the 25-year-old is the subject of an FA investigation over allegations of gambling on football.

The publication did not reveal any specifics, but claimed that West Ham are nervously waiting to see if the investigation will lead to Paqueta being charged by the authorities.

However, a separate Mail Online report claimed Paqueta denied placing bets himself and will now seek advice from his legal team as the FA’s investigation gets underway.

The east London club signed Paqueta last summer from Lyon for £51million, and while the Brazil international still has four years remaining on his deal he was reportedly open to leaving for City.

Sky Sports claimed that Paqueta would find it very difficult to turn down a move to Champions League winners City, with there being the opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola. The player was being discussed as a temporary replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who faces up to four months on the sidelines after a hamstring injury.

However, West Ham were eager to keep the midfielder, having already lost captain and midfielder Declan Rice to Arsenal this summer, with the England international moving for £105million.

Paqueta featured in West Ham’s season-opening 1-1 draw against Bournemouth last weekend.

It remains to be seen if he will line up against Chelsea at the London Stadium on Sunday following the Mail Sport's claims.

SPORTbible have contacted West Ham, the FA, and Paqueta's camp for comment.

Mail Sport contacted the FA and West Ham on Friday, and we are contacting Paqueta's camp for comment.

Brentford and England forward Ivan Toney was banned from football for eight months after admitting to 232 breaches of the FA's betting rules earlier this year. The 27-year-old is not due to return until January, while he was diagnosed with a gambling addiction.

Topics: Football, West Ham United, Manchester City

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.