'I'd be lying' - Lucas Paqueta makes huge Man City transfer admission after stopping Liverpool

Lucas Paqueta is happy at West Ham despite yet more interest from Manchester City. Having been high on the list of targets for Pep Guardiola last year it is expected that City are keeping tabs on him once again.

Having been a top candidate to join last summer before news of an investigation into betting allegations, Paqueta has continued to impress under David Moyes during his second season in the Premier League.

Now, after helping City out in their bid to win a fourth title in a row, the 26-year-old has given an update on his future. “I have to do my work here at West Ham," he told ESPN.

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"I have an enormous respect for the club. I’m very happy here, and if I don’t say that, I’d be lying." Having played the full match as Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw on Saturday afternoon, leaving Jurgen Klopp's hopes of a second title hanging by a thread, he was also aware of the recent speculation.

"Of course there are a lot of things happening off the pitch but I am focused on doing my best and end the season on a high. I started well and intend on finishing [the season] well.

“What has been said about Manchester City is all stuff from the previous transfer window. Now it’s about finishing the season and to wait and see what will happen.”

Only last month he also spoke about the betting investigation. "I was told not to comment on this subject," he told a Brazil press conference during the international break. ‘"It’s been seven months since it’s happened and I’m cooperating, doing what’s in my power so that it can be resolved."

He added: "In the beginning it was hard. But now I have grown a lot mentally and now I can live with that. I have left that behind and I can now focus on my performances. Everything outside of football I left behind. My focus is on training, playing and developing my performances.

"David Moyes has been special for me. I have a good relationship with him. We talked about this. He wanted me on the team because of what I did last season.

"I think it was important because I have grown this season and have got better and better. My evolution was important from last season to this one. Without a shadow of doubt, the support allowed me to leave all this behind, it was essential."

He finished, "I have a lot of respect for my club, which is West Ham. I hope we have a good end to the season. We hope to qualify for Europe again through the Premier League and try to win the Europa League."

"I've been having a very good season and that has helped me a lot in my evolution in the Premier League. So I think that out of respect for them I have to stay focused on my duty at West Ham and keep working."

Paqueta was also part of the Hammers team that beat Arsenal earlier this season. He will go head-to-head with City on the final day of the season at the Etihad Stadium.

When the two sides met earlier in the season it was notable that Guardiola took time to speak to Paqueta before the match. He also shook hands with the City coaching staff.

Once a deal collapsed City turned to Wolves' Matheus Nunes, who proved to be a much cheaper option, even at over £40million. City are still thought to be keen on pursuing Paqueta if his betting case is dropped.