Man City 'decide' on their top two transfer targets after withdrawing interest in Lucas Paqueta amid betting scandal

Manchester City have moved on from Lucas Paqueta after he was charged by the FA for breaching betting rules.

The FA charged the West Ham midfielder on Thursday after a nine-month investigation into allegations he deliberately picked up bookings to influence betting markets.

If proven, the Brazilian faces a lengthy ban from football though he categorically denies the allegations made against him.

City were interested in signing the 26-year-old prior to the investigation being launched but reports now suggest they have moved onto other targets as Paqueta awaits the verdict of an independent commission.

HITC claim Pep Guardiola’s side have informed Paqueta’s representatives that they are no longer pursuing a deal for the Brazil international as a result of the charges.

However, City remain interested in bringing a new attacking midfielder to the club and have identified two players who fit the bill amid constant speculation over Bernardo Silva’s long-term future at the club.

Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz was included on their list of options but reportedly has decided to stay with the Bundesliga club meaning City will turn their attentions to RB Leipzig duo Dani Olmo and Xavi Simons.

Olmo is believed to have a release clause in his Leipzig contract - similar to the clause that saw Dominik Szoboszlai move to Liverpool last summer - but City would need to move swiftly as it expires in mid-July.

The Spaniard is expected to cost around £50m which would be significantly cheaper than the proposed deal to sign Paqueta.

Xavi Simons and Dani Olmo are of interest to Man City (Getty)

Simons on the other hand has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest talents and will return to parent club Paris Saint-Germain after a loan spell with the Bundesliga side.

The 21-year-old has scored eight goals and registered 11 assists during his first season in Germany on the back of an impressive spell with PSV Eindhoven where he found the back of the net 19 times.

City have shown an interest in the youngster but he is believed to favour a switch to Barcelona.

With Paqueta out of the equation and Bernardo Silva still open to leaving the club, it’ll be interesting to see who lines up in City’s midfield next year.