Manchester City could face competition for 'complete midfielder' Pep Guardiola loves

West Ham United have been warned that they will struggle to keep hold of Manchester City-linked Lucas Paqueta after his impressive performances for club and country this season.

The 26-year-old, who made the move to the London Stadium from Lyon in a club-record deal in 2022, was the subject of a bid from Manchester City last August as Pep Guardiola looked to bolster the ranks of his treble-winning side.

After losing Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez to Barcelona and Al-Ahli, the Premier League and Champions League winners made an offer for the 44-cap Brazilian. However, West Ham manager David Moyes described it as "not anywhere near meeting our valuation".

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In England's friendly with Brazil last Friday, it was Paqueta who stole the show at Wembley ahead of players like Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Bruno Guimaraes, creating the most chances (3) during his 71 minutes on the field.

Such impressive performances for both club and country have Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves believing that the Hammers face an almighty challenge to keep hold of the midfielder, who the duo insist could play for any team on the continent.

Speaking ahead of West Ham's Premier League clash at Newcastle on Saturday, Cole said: "That man in your picture there, Paqueta, was the best player on the pitch in England against Brazil, Owen [Hargreaves].

"And I don't know what you think, but I don't know how long West Ham can keep hold of him. Today he's playing, they've got Brazil's No.10 playing for West Ham. How more excitement do you want when you turn up to watch a team?"

Former Manchester