Lucas Paqueta investigation 'started from a bet on his yellow card against Aston Villa'
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is being investigated by the FA for potential betting breaches, according to reports in Brazil.
Manchester City were interested in signing Paqueta this summer as they placed a £70 million offer to West Ham.
The Premier League champions' interest in the player increased following an injury to Kevin De Bruyne, who aggravated his hamstring against Burnley.
However, on Friday it emerged that talks over the transfer had collapsed due to 'confidential' issues.
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It was later reported that the Brazilian is the subject of an FA investigation over allegations of gambling on football.
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, the investigation centres around a bet placed on the 25-year-old being booked in West Ham's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on March 12.
Paqueta received a yellow card in the 70th minute after taking out John McGinn.
"Initial analysis showed that on that day several new accounts were created at Betway, with users depositing the maximum amount allowed," reported the Brazilian outlet.
"These accounts made a matched bet to increase the winnings: the authors would only receive the money if Paqueta took a yellow card against Villa and if striker Luiz Henrique, from Betis, received a card against Villarreal, on the same day, March 12."
Villarreal vs Real Betis also ended in a 1-1 draw, with Luis Henrique coming on in the second-half and picking up a yellow card.
The Daily Mail has reported that the investigation into Paqueta centres on bets which were placed with bookmakers in Brazil and that they relate to in-game incidents as opposed to the outcomes of West Ham's matches.
However, the report has not specified what these in-game incidents are.
"It is understood Paqueta has yet to be formally interviewed by disciplinary chiefs and that the player is immediately denying any wrongdoing," added the report.
"Paqueta is expected to seek advice from his legal team as the FA's investigation continues."
SPORTbible has contacted West Ham, the FA and Paqueta's camp for comment.
Nasir Jabbar