All posts by n8rngtd.top

Manchester United are interested in Benfica youngster Joao Neves as Erik ten Hag looks to add another player to his squad following the deal to bring Mason Mount to Old Trafford.

What’s the latest on Joao Neves to Manchester United?

The saga surrounding Mount is finally coming to an end as United eventually agreed a deal which will cost them £60m in total – and Ten Hag shows no signs of slowing down.

According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the Red Devils are keen on luring Neves to the club this summer as the Dutchman looks to bolster his midfield options.

One key stumbling block could be a potential fee for the player, as he could be set to see his release clause raised from €60m (£52m) to €100m (£86m) due to a new contract being proposed for the youngster, which could be signed once he returns from the U21 European Championship.

Who is Joao Neves?

The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season during 2022/23, becoming another youth prodigy to burst onto the scene at Benfica having made his debut in December last year.

A move for Neves could be extremely similar to that of the deal to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford 20 years ago.

The United icon was also 18 years old when Sir Alex Ferguson signed him having enjoyed a breakthrough season at Sporting CP, with the Portuguese forward scoring 145 goals over two spells at the club.

Neves likely won't quite hit those scoring heights as he tends to operate as a central midfielder, although his adaptability could be a bonus for Ten Hag, as the teen gem can also sparkle in a more advanced role or drop slightly deeper if required.

Despite being in the embryonic stages of what could be a fantastic career, Neves is shining across a range of metrics for the Portuguese side, showcasing his passing and defensive skills.

Indeed, over the previous 365 days, Neves ranks in the top 4% for passes attempted per 90 (73.65), top 2% for tackles per 90 (3.83), top 1% for blocks per 90 (2.21) and top 6% for aerials won per 90 (2.06) of those playing at a similar level in his position within Europe, indicating that not only does he try and circulate the ball as often as possible, but he can utilise his aerial ability and tenacious nature to protect the defence on a regular basis.

Dubbed as “highly talented” along with a string of fellow Benfica youngsters by talent scout Jacek Kulig last year, his introduction to the first team has certainly garnered attraction from potential suitors.

Having enjoyed success in the Portuguese market over the years, with the aforementioned Ronaldo plus Bruno Fernandes shining since arriving from Sporting CP in 2020, it appears Ten Hag wants to replicate these success stories with a move for Neves this summer.

The opening weekend of the new Premier League season will see a London derby showdown between Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Here is Football FanCast’s preview ahead of the action…

When is the match and is it on TV?

Kick-off in west London is slated for 2pm on Sunday the 13th of August.

The game will be part of the first Super Sunday doubleheader of the season, and will be the first of two live games shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League on the Sunday.

Who is Brentford’s key player?

Brentford’s key man is Ivan Toney, but the England international striker will be suspended until mid-January after breaching FA betting rules, leaving others to step up to the plate.

In his place, Cameroon forward Bryan Mbuemo is likely to step up to become Brentford’s main threat. Mbuemo finished the 22/23 season strongly, scoring twice against Spurs in the final weeks of the season.

Who is Spurs’ key player?

Despite speculation linking him with a move away, Spurs' record goalscorer and captain Harry Kane is undoubtedly the key man in Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Kane scored 30 goals in 38 Premier League games last season, scoring in 26 individual matches. He will surely be crucial to any success Spurs have on the pitch in the upcoming season – as long as they can hold onto him.

How will Brentford line up?

Brentford recently completed the permanent transfer of German youngster Kevin Schade in June for a fee around £22m. Schade should go straight into the lineup in Toney’s absence, along with new goalkeeper Mark Flekken who looks to replace the departing David Raya:

Flekken; Hickey, Zanka, Mee, Pinnock, Henry; Jensen, Janelt, Onyeka; Mbuemo, Schade

How will Spurs line up?

Spurs are chasing want-away Brentford keeper David Raya this summer, and it is likely they get the transfer done. If they get their man, he should make his debut against his former side on opening weekend. Spurs have also been linked with a double move for Leicester attackers James Maddison and Harvey Barnes who would also go straight into the starting XI:

Raya; Royal, Dier, Sanchez, Porro; Hojberg, Bissouma; Son, Maddison, Barnes; Kane

What were the last league meetings between the two teams?

Brentford and Spurs have only faced off four times in Premier League history following the Bees’ promotion in 2021. No team has managed to get an upper hand in this London rivalry so far:

• December 2021 – Spurs 2-0 Brentford
• April 2022 – Brentford 0-0 Spurs
• December 2022 – Brentford 2-2 Spurs
• May 2023 – Spurs 1-3 Brentford

Every Premier League opening day fixture in full

Who is going to win?

It’s a difficult fixture to predict.

Brentford were a difficult test for the top 6 clubs last season, while Spurs will be looking to get off to a fast start under new manager Postecoglou. However, we’re going to back the men in white to get their season off to the perfect start.

FFC predicts: Spurs win.

Nottingham Forest completing a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie would be 'pretty sensational', according to journalist Dean Jones.

Is Piero Hincapie on his way to Nottingham Forest?

According to Bola VIP, Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen man Hincapie, who would cost in the region of £34.2 million to entice him to the City Ground.

The report states that Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also keen on the Ecuador international; however, Xabi Alonso isn't keen to part ways with his prize asset and has communicated to the Bayer Leverkusen board that he does not want to lose Hincapie.

Bundesliga insider Christian Falk told GIVEMESPORT back in January that Spurs have been casting an eye on the 21-year-old since last summer, stating: "Tottenham still has it's eye on him, already in the summer, but also Arsenal again and Chelsea are visiting what is happening with him."

Tuttomercatoweb also follow up these claims and indicate that contact has been made between Tottenham and Bayer Leverkusen as they look to establish a potential deal.

Hincapie made 43 appearances in all competitions last term for Bayer Leverkusen, registering one goal and a solitary assist in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

His awareness to danger impressed onlookers during 2022/23 as Hincapie racked up 1.7 tackles and 2.5 clearances per match on average in the German top flight, according to WhoScored.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has signalled that he thinks Hincapie joining Nottingham Forest would be a 'sensational' piece of business by Steve Cooper.

Jones told FFC: "I mean, this would be pretty sensational as the player has been linked with big clubs. Not so long ago, I would have thought he might actually be considered too good for Nottingham Forest. If they are willing to stump up the cash, it might be able to happen. It's a lot of money were talking about here, but he's very good."

Who else is on Steve Cooper's radar at Nottingham Forest?

Nottingham Forest fans will hope to see Cooper make some solid additions this term as they try to consolidate themselves in the Premier League.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has detailed that the Reds are keen on signing free agent Willian, stating on Twitter: "Understand Nottingham Forest and also Fulham have sent formal proposals to Willian as he’s currently free agent. Saudi clubs are also approaching the Brazilian winger, one more option. Decision expected in the next days."

Chelsea forgotten man Callum Hudson-Odoi has emerged as another target to bolster the left flank and he also has interest from Fulham and Saudi Arabia, according to The Guardian.

Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is being primed for a return to the City Ground on a permanent basis as he looks to bring his long-term association with the Red Devils to a close, as cited by Telegraph Sport.

Wolverhampton Wanderers stopper Jose Sa is under consideration as an alternative target between the sticks to replace Keylor Navas at the club.

Plenty of arrivals will be expected this summer for the Tricky Trees and they look ready to splash the cash once again to get their favored targets in the door.

Manchester United seem set to continue their summer spending, highlighting a new key position that will bolster Erik ten Hag's squad massively.

Is Sofyan Amrabat joining Manchester United?

The latest on the fresh pursuit comes via Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, who took to Twitter to suggest that the Red Devils have made a huge step towards tempting Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina.

He would write:

"MU have made an initial verbal offer to Sofyan Amrabat's agent. Al-Ahli have also made an offer (€15M). But for now, he is not interested and is still dreaming of Liga. He prefers to stay at Fiorentina if he doesn't get a good club. Many big clubs are monitoring his situation."

Fabrizio Romano had detailed a reported price tag of around €40m (£35m) back at the start of the month, suggesting that this could end up being another lucrative deal for a side seeking to make the necessary additions to truly turn them into Premier League title challengers.

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

Whilst the Moroccan midfield general shot to fame due to his stellar World Cup performances, the 26-year-old has actually been a consistent performer for his club during the 2022/23 campaign too, further emphasising his preparedness for a step-up such as this.

In the Serie A, his 90% pass accuracy showcases his ability to dictate the play, whilst his 1.3 tackles per game help outline his defensive security, via Sofascore. He is combative, relentless and impressively clever in the engine room, only throwing himself into tackles at the perfect moment and otherwise simply blocking the space.

With this, plus his hulking figure and unbridled physicality, it is hard not to immediately draw comparisons with Ten Hag's current enforcer, Casemiro.

Signed just last summer, the 31-year-old had an instant impact at Old Trafford, adding the necessary steel into midfield to finally allow them to take ahold of games.

In the Premier League, the Brazilian maintained a 7.21 average rating, buoyed by his 79% pass accuracy, 3.2 tackles and 2.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore. His solidity was exactly what was needed to allow Ten Hag's philosophy to shine.

Whilst he is not getting any younger, the similarities between these figures and Amrabat's World Cup campaign should make for pleasant viewing, given he could now be chosen as his successor.

Across seven games in their historic run to the semi-final, his 6.83 average rating perhaps belied his importance. He would record an 85% pass accuracy but saw his tackles rise to 2.3 per game, and his clearances to 1.4 per game, via Sofascore.

Such displays even led journalist Carlo Garganese to claim: "Amrabat the best centre midfielder in the tournament. MONSTER."

Should he choose to move to Manchester now, he could enjoy a few solid years under the tutelage of such a legendary midfielder, before eventually taking his place as the former Real Madrid stopper moves on.

Especially considering One-Versus-One helps to draw further comparisons between the two, as they rank similarly for fouls per 90 (1.85 v 2.33), passes into final third per 90 (8.69 v 9.71) and challenges won per 90 (37.81 v 38.23). He could easily slip in as the disruptive, progressive and defensive hero that is needed within such a system.

Casemiro could then leave safe in the knowledge that his presence helped underpin Ten Hag's regime and offered the necessary platform for their return to the Champions League and subsequent successes.

If Amrabat enjoys half as successful a career as the one the ageing general has had, then this will prove to be an extremely fruitful signing for Manchester United.

Hibernian have suffered arguably their biggest nightmare during this transfer window, as Kevin Nisbet finally departed Easter Road for Championship side Millwall, netting them a cool £2m in the process.

It was second time lucky for the Scottish striker, as he turned down a move to the Den back in January and although Lee Johnson knew that he couldn’t keep hold of his prized asset for long, it will still sting knowing he has departed.

He will now need to replace the player if Hibs are to challenge for third spot in the Premiership next season.

Who have Hibs signed?

Johnson has made a decent start to the transfer window, signing Dylan Levitt, Adam Le Fondre and Elie Youan to spearhead his challenge for a top-three finish and surely more will arrive soon.

One player who may potentially find himself back at Easter Road is striker Mykola Kukharevych, after he made some encouraging comments about the club.

He said: "Hibs fans write to me on social media every day. My situation is not sorted yet. There is still a possibility I could stay at Hibs for the new season too.

"The support is insane. It was the first time I saw fans like that. They travel in big numbers away from home too. I was shocked to see so many of them."

This will please the supporters and the onus is on Johnson to secure another loan spell for the popular £600k-rated Ukrainian.

How good is Mykola Kukharevych?

If Hibs are to make a move for the striker, they could face some competition from Polish side Rakow Czestochowa as they have identified him as a key target.

The 22-year-old still has three years left on his current contract with French outfit Troyes, meaning Hibs will have to settle for a loan deal for the second season in a row if they wish to see him performing in the Premiership.

Although playing just 15 matches due to suffering an injury towards the end of the 2022/23 season, he still managed to score five times and could replace Nisbet’s goals should he stay fit.

The 26-year-old showed just why clubs south of the border were after him, netting 12 goals in just 20 matches, and he finished his stint at Hibs having scored 39 goals in just over 100 matches, a solid hit rate.

Nisbet and Kukharevych ranked in the top two for scoring frequency across the Hibs squad last term, netting every 114 and 174 minutes respectively, while the duo also displayed their intent to score as often as possible by taking 2.7 and 2.3 shots per game, good enough to rank them first and third.

It’s clear that the 6 foot 3 machine has all the required attributes to fill the void left by Nisbet should he join Hibs again for a second spell.

The club finished last season as the fourth-highest scorers in the league with 57 goals, yet in order to secure that top-three finish, they will need a player who is able to score 20 or more and Kukharevych could be the ideal candidate.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Brazilian gem Andre, as Julen Lopetegui eyes midfield upgrades this summer.

The Spaniard bid farewell to Portuguese duo Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves early in the window, with the task to replace them being an ongoing search.

Could Wolves sign Andre?

One man that could fill the void left by the duo is Fluminense midfielder Andre, who has been linked to Wolves by news outlets in Brazil.

As reported by Bolavip, relayed by Sport Witness, the Old Gold are ‘in the fight’ to sign the 22-year-old, who is valued at £35m by his club.

The Midlands club aren’t the only Premier League representatives in the race to capture the talent, with Fulham and Liverpool also listed as interested parties.

How good is Andre?

Previously lauded as a “serious talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Andre could be the perfect addition to the side at Molineux in the absence of departed captain Neves.

The Portuguese midfielder departed for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, in a deal worth £47m, after spending six memorable years in Wolverhampton.

Lopetegui could finally fill the gap left by the 26-year-old in capturing the Brazilian, who has similar attributes to the former Wolves sensation.

Once described as a “deep-lying orchestrator” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Neves was recognised for his strengths in distribution in central midfield at Molineux, an area that is equally praised in Andre’s approach to play.

As per FBref, the midfielder maintained an average pass completion rate of 93.2% in the Brazilian Serie A, securing almost perfect numbers compared to the Portuguese gem’s 82.1% in the Premier League last season.

Averaging 6.31 passes into the final third, the Fluminense whizz could replicate the level of performance on show at Molineux by Neves, who averaged 6.02 final third passes per 90 last term.

While the 22-year-old is a competent passer, the most prominent area to his game is his defensive approach, standing as a combative figure in the engine room.

Once tipped to become Brazil’s “next best defensive midfielder” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes, the enforcing presence of Andre could make him an assured asset for Lopetegui to add to his team.

The praise is supported through his numbers, where he averaged 3.66 tackles and interceptions per 90 in Serie A and made an average of 7.09 ball recoveries in midfield per 90, via FBref.

Based on these figures, the young midfielder drew more fouls than he committed for Fluminense this year, highlighting the controlled nature of his game paired with the energy he exerts in the middle of the park.

A player eager to be involved in play, Andre averaged a huge 84.55 touches per 90 in the league last season, conveying the influence he could bring to Molineux at a time that calls for a midfield rebuild ahead of the new campaign.

In signing the Brazilian, Wolves could identify the perfect player to take the place of Neves, in a talent that displays strengths in abundance similar to that of the departed skipper.

Tottenham Hotspur's new signing Manor Solomon had "a purpose to his dribbling" and left journalist Alasdair Gold feeling "really impressed" after his performances on the club's Asia-Pacific tour.

Manor Solomon's Tottenham future

The Spurs signing that has attracted the most attention so far this summer, and understandably so, is the £40m acquisition of James Maddison from Leicester City. The England international is the kind of well-known, exciting and attacking signing bound to stir fans, but people shouldn't forget about fellow new boy Solomon.

The Kfar Saba-born attacker had a brilliant – albeit injury-hit – season with London rivals Fulham last year and joined the Lilywhites on a free in early July.

Whilst the expectation has generally been that he's going to be a practical and helpful squad option for Ange Postecoglou, he has already shown to those who have been watching he has the ability to fight for a starting spot.

Read the latest Tottenham Hotspur transfer news HERE…

He has been making a good case for himself on the club's Asia-Pacific tour already as well, with the Evening Standard's Simon Collings giving him a seven out of ten for his performance against West Ham United in Perth, describing him as 'Tottenham's best player during the first-half''.

However, Collings wasn't the only one impressed by his performances as football.london's Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold was also left "really impressed" by the Israeli.

He gave his impression of the player on his podcast Gold and Guest Talk Tottenham, saying:

"I was really impressed with the way he played, and also, my issue with him beforehand and something he needed to improve on was his assists and setting up others.

"With Solomon, it doesn't feel like he's just going to be head down and running into people, it feels like there's a purpose to his dribbling and he'll know the right moment to stop it and pass and to look up or shoot or whatever. So yeah, he looks good."

How good was Manor Solomon last season?

Unfortunately for the £23k-per-week man, an injury at the start of his time in west London stopped him from getting a full season of Premier League football under his belt, but when he could play, he looked quality.

In just the 563 minutes of league football he played for the Cottagers, he provided four assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 140 minutes or one every one-and-a-half games.

He also maintained a passing accuracy of 86.4% – the fourth highest among Fulham players that got at least 500 minutes of game time – and averaged a match rating of 6.52, per WhoScored.

Some of his underlying numbers are also seriously impressive and suggest that if he is able to stay fit next season, he could well make a case for himself to be a starter.

According to FBref, which compares players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the 24-year-old "game changer" sits in the top 1% for non-penalty goals and tackles, the top 4% for pass completion, the top 6% for successful take-ons, and the top 18% for interceptions, all per 90.

Former boss Marco Silva will surely miss him at Craven Cottage as he waxed lyrical over his performances earlier in the season, saying:

"His one-v-one situation is really strong and coming from the left he is important."

He should be just as entertaining to watch this year, and it'll be interesting to see if he can force his way into a starting place as the season plays out.

Burnley are believed to have stepped up their interest in Hertha Berlin star, Dodi Lukebakio, with manager Vincent Kompany continuing what has already been a hectic summer window thus far for the Premier League new boys.

What are the latest Burnley transfer rumours?

Having already made ten signings to date – with talks also being held regarding Aston Villa's Aaron Ramsey – journalist Sacha Tavolieiri has now revealed that a bid of around €13m (£11m) has already been lodged by the Clarets in order to sign the Belgian forward.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "Confirmed! Been told #BurnleyFC did an offer of 11M€ + 2M€ add-ons to #HerthaBSC last Friday! Clarets are waiting for the final answer of the Belgian by the END of the WEEK to close the deal. Wait&See."

This comes following a prior Tweet from Tavolieri which had also noted the Lancashire side's interest in the 25-year-old, albeit with Serie A side Atalanta also said to be keen:

"Infos #BurnleyFC : There is a concrete interest of #BurnleyFC that exists for Dodi Lukebakio & #HerthaBSC wants indeed to get 10M€ from this deal but I’ve been told the right winger doesn’t want to play relegation again as he did with Hertha Berlin last season according to the latest.

"Atalanta Bergamo still on the Belgian track. To be continued."

How good is Dodi Lukebakio?

Despite having already brought in the likes of Nathan Redmond and Jacob Bruun Larsen this summer, it would appear that the Turf Moor outfit are still keen to strengthen their wide options, having also seen a £9m bid rejected by Southampton for ex-loanee Nathan Tella in recent weeks.

The latter man had been an instrumental figure in Burnley's rampant promotion charge last season after scoring 17 goals and providing five assists in 39 Championship appearances, with it no surprise that Kompany and co are keen to bring the 24-year-old back to the club on a permanent basis.

With the Saints thus far holding firm with regard to sanctioning the sale of the Englishman – with Tella featuring for Russell Martin's side against Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend – it could be wise to consider alternative options, such as Lukebakio.

The former Watford man mirrors Tella in the fact that he also typically operates in a right-wing berth, with the 6 foot 2 whiz having enjoyed a promising individual campaign in the Bundesliga last time out, after bagging 11 goals and contributing four assists in 32 outings.

Despite Hertha ultimately slipping to relegation, that solid return of goal contributions is a marker of the forward's talents, with the eight-cap international having recorded 46 goals and assists in 100 games in total for his current side.

Previously lauded as "incredible" by former Fortuna Dusseldorf teammate Oliver Fink after netting a hat-trick against Bayern Munich back in 2018, Lukebakio could prove to be a real attacking weapon for Kompany next season, thus easing the loss of the influential Tella.

One key strength of the Hertha star is his ability for being able to beat his man down the flanks, as he notably ranks in the top 12% among his European peers for successful take-ons at an average of 2.57 per 90, with that superior record to what the current Southampton man has achieved across the last 365 days (1.25 successful take-ons per 90).

Also an "incredibly fast" asset – as described by Fortuna's Adam Bodzek – the £41k-per-week livewire could well be tormenting Premier League defences next season under the watchful eye of his compatriot, Kompany.

Tottenham Hotspur's move for Gent striker Gift Orban continues to take shape as journalist Sean Walsh shares an update on their pursuit.

Who will Spurs replace Kane with?

The biggest story to come out of north London this summer – by some distance – is the departure of club legend and star striker Harry Kane.

Kane, who signed for Bayern Munich last week after Spurs agreed a possible £103 million transfer fee (if certain add-ons are met), will be a devastating miss for new manager Ange Postecoglou.

The England superstar became Tottenham's all-time record goalscorer last season, surpassing the legendary Jimmy Greaves, and Newcastle icon Alan Shearer will be relieved the striker won't smash his Premier League record as well.

Postecoglou has had time to brace for Kane's departure, though, as the Australian admitted it was a long time coming following some behind-the-scenes onversations.

“I had a conversation with Harry the first day he arrived and he was up front and honest, and I was the same,” said Postecoglou last week.

“You get an indication there that he kind of made up his mind: that if the clubs agreed he would go, particularly if it was before the first game. That was my preference as well.

“There's nothing along the way that's sort of made me feel there's anything other than this outcome."

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Following Kane's move to Germany, attention now turns to the transfer market and how Spurs will seek to replace their former talisman.

Orban, who has been in quite scintillating form for Gent over the last 12 months, is one forward seriously attracting Tottenham's interest alongside other reported targets in Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and Montpellier's Elye Wahi.

The Lilywhites have been repeatedly linked with a move for Orban in particular, and reports have suggested he could cost in the region of £25-£30 million.

90min reporter Walsh, sharing an update on X, says that talks have indeed been held by Tottenham over the potential signing of Orban this summer.

The north Londoners are moving for Nigeria's latest hot-shot striker, but he isn't the only name on their radar, as other targets are also "in play" at Spurs.

"Tottenham continuing to assess striker options on the market," wrote Walsh.

"Talks held with Gent's Gift Orban but other targets are also in play."

The in-form attacker bagged a brilliant 20 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions last season, and has continued in that vain with five goals in four this term.

What's been said about Gift Orban?

Orban has been lavished with praise by members of the African press, like DW Sports reporter Lolade Adewuyi, who claims the 21-year-old is "hugely popular" in Belgium.

"Arrived in Ghent to watch two of the most exciting young Nigerian talents play tonight – Gift Orban for KAA Gent and Victor Boniface of Royale Union Saint Gilloise," wrote Adewuyi on X.

"The Belgian league is a breeding ground for Nigerian players and these boys are hugely popular here."

Meanwhile, another reporter in Ryan Taylor has called Orban one of Nigeria's new crop of Golden Generation players.

Footage has emerged of Lucas Paqueta picking up a yellow card amid the West Ham United player now being under investigation for allegedly betting, leaving his rumoured summer transfer in jeopardy.

What's the latest Lucas Paqueta news?

It's no secret that gambling is an issue within the world of football and that appears to include Premier League footballers, too.

Most notably, Brentford striker Ivan Toney is currently serving an eight-month ban for breaching FA betting rules – admitting to and being found guilty of 232 charges.

Nottingham Forest defender Harry Toffolo was also charged by FA over 375 alleged betting breaches during the summer.

Paqueta of West Ham is the latest player currently being investigated by the FA for allegedly breaching betting rules – although the Brazilian denies placing any bets himself (via Sky Sports News).

Of course, this comes at just about the worst time possible, as the player was thought to be closing in on an £80m deal to join Manchester City, but that move is now in danger of breaking down.

Is Paquets joining Man City?

The midfielder is 25 years old and has spent one season in England after joining West Ham from Lyon last season in a club-record £51m deal.

And while it looked like his career was about to go to the next step, it could now be in danger – although a move to City could still happen.

Indeed, speaking on the Sky Sports News Transfer Show, journalist Dharmesh Sheth explained: "The deal is on hold, but it's not off – and it could be resurrected if this issue is cleared up and cleared up quickly.

"We heard from David Moyes, who said they have rejected a bid from Manchester City. West Ham value him at £85m or possibly even more.

"There is a release clause in his contract which kicks off next summer, which means West Ham can charge whatever they want. He has four years left on his contract with the option of an extra year.

He added: "We are told that Paqueta is focused completely on playing for West Ham and he's been training as normal today ahead of playing Chelsea on Sunday."

This latest development has certainly thrown a spanner in the works for Man City's transfer plans, and it will be interesting to see how they proceed in the coming days and weeks.

On the betting charges, footage has now emerged from his display last for the Hammers against Bournemouth last weekend as he picked up a needless yellow card in the dying embers of the game.

According to Globo (via Daily Mail), back in March, betting accounts linked to those close to the Brazilian were opened with Betway (West Ham's front-of-shirt sponsor) – with the 'maximum' amount allowed then deposited into those accounts.

Bets were then placed on Paqueta to be booked in West Ham's 1-1 home draw with Aston Villa in the Premier League that month. The player was indeed booked, as you can see in the footage below.

For the time being, Paqueta has denied placing bets himself and will now seek advice from his legal team as the FA's investigation gets underway. In fact, according to the Daily Mail, those discussions are likely to have already started.