West Ham United may reportedly ask to receive Cole Palmer in part-exchange if Manchester City persist with a move for Lucas Paqueta.
Throughout the summer transfer window, the Hammers have been attempting to strengthen their midfield after Declan Rice was sold to Arsenal.
That has allegedly all but been achieved with Ajax's Edson Alvarez and Southampton's James Ward-Prowse said to be on the brink of moving to the London Stadium.
However, it was claimed earlier this week that City had identified Paqueta as a priority target as Pep Guardiola attempts to sign a creative central midfielder.
While West Ham have not welcomed the interest in another key player, the Premier League champions are said to be ready to pay at least £70m for the Brazil international.
© Reuters
As it stands, that proposal has not been accepted, with West Ham expected to either present their own valuation or reject City's interest out of hand.
According to the Evening Standard, David Moyes holds an interest in signing Palmer and could be ready to request that the young Englishman is included in the deal.
The 21-year-old has emerged as a trusted member of Guardiola's squad and repaid some of that faith with a brilliantly-taken goal in Sunday's Community Shield against Arsenal.
Having made 12 starts and 27 substitute outings for City in all competitions, the current expectation is that the England Under-21 star will remain in the senior ranks at the Etihad Stadium.
© Reuters
Moyes is said to be open to using Palmer as a right-winger in place of Jarrod Bowen and switching the latter into a more central position in the final third.
A resolution will come down to several factors, including City's asking price and whether Guardiola views Palmer as a player who could represent the club in the coming years.
Other clubs in the Premier League and Europe have been credited as admirers of the playmaker, yet he has played a full part in City's pre-season after helping England win the Under-21 European Championship in July.
Palmer also has three years remaining on his contract at City, leaving them in a strong bargaining position if negotiations prove to be prolonged.
