West Ham's Lucas Paqueta 'under investigation for betting breaches' after Man City U-turn

West Ham attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta is reportedly being investigated by the Football Association (FA) for potential betting breaches. Paqueta, whose move to Manchester City broke down today, could now potentially face punishments if he is found guilty.

The Citizens had identified Paqueta as an ideal replacement for Kevin de Bruyne after the 32-year-old went under the knife to fix a reoccurring hamstring injury. With their talisman out for what looks to be four months, City made a £70million bid for Paqueta which was rejected by the Hammers.

But as they prepared to make an improved offer, reports emerged on Friday that negotiations had suddenly collapsed with sources citing ‘confidential’ issues. It has now emerged that the Brazil international is the subject of an FA investigation over allegations of gambling on football, according to the Daily Mail.

The report states that Paqueta denies placing any bets on football himself, according to sources close to the player. It is claimed that the centre of the investigation is around bets placed in Brazil. Express Sport has reached out to West Ham and the FA for comment.

Earlier this year, Brentford's Ivan Toney was banned from football for eight months after pleading guilty to 232 of 262 charges made against him by the FA over breaches of their betting rules. An independent disciplinary commission also imposed a £50,000 fine.

The ban will prevent Toney from playing until January 16 next year and Paqueta could now face similar repercussions if found guilty. It is presently unclear whether the 25-year-old will be allowed to play on Sunday in West Ham's second Premier League fixture against Chelsea at London Stadium.

Paqueta had a quiet game in the Hammers' curtain-jerker against Bournemouth but was among David Moyes' most important players last season. He scored 5 goals and assisted seven in 41 appearances after joining West Ham from Lyon for a club-record fee of £51m last summer.

Manchester City are now expected to pursue Arsenal target Mohammed Kudus following the collapse of the Paqueta deal. Ajax accepted a £34.1m bid for Kudus earlier this month but the Ghanian is reportedly stalling negotiations in the hopes of receiving an offer from a club with Champions League football.